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Someone School me on College

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EastCoast315
Posts: 3136 - Karma: 137
So I'm considering all my options; military, merchant marines, freight hopping, college. Any way you cut the cards, I want to travel, and be somewhere where there are at least a couple other gays. With as much skiing as possible.
I've looked into everything but college at this point, and figure that I should take a look at how the game is played. But I honestly don't know the first thing about any of it. I look at tuition prices and can't make much sense of them. Whats the difference between a B.A and B.F.A? And I've always been under the impression that no matter what, unless you get some crazy scholarship that no one gets, you WILL walk out of it with tonsss of debt. Which I will fight at every front to avoid.
I'm going to be a high school senior this year, and I'm pissed that I'm still so ignant about this kind of thing, there needs to be a class for this shit. When should I start applying?
I'm mainly looking at SUNY Purchase because they have an excellent drama program. I've grown up in the theatre and the degree would be a little less about marketability and a little more about the fact that I would just love to learn how to be even better at acting. But at the same time, a degree like that really helps you break into broadway.

And how can I do it for free? My grades for freshman and sophomore years were mediocre. This year, (junior and senior year rolled into one) I'm going to step up and head out with a bang. I'm aiming for straight A's; I'm schoolin like its my job, for real. I'm also gay, and I'm also poor; aren't there grants/scholarships for that? What should I apply for, and when?

Basically just tell me everything I need to know.
Aug 9 2010 3:12PM
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Tasche
Posts: 5422 - Karma: 99
Go to college, get a mechanical engineering degree, meet lots of gays.
Aug 9 2010 3:17PM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,240
one of these gives you the most options as to what you can do after school, its a useful, flexible degree and a billion times better than an english, philosophy, or history degree. Definitely something to consider if you aren't super sure what you want to do
Aug 9 2010 3:21PM
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gordie.
Posts: 2014 - Karma: 84
BA is a bachelor of arts
BFA is a bachelor of fine arts

both are undergrad degrees. the difference is BFA is for fine arts (visual and performing arts, eg. film, certain design courses, acting, etc.) and a BA is for liberal arts, sciences, or both (political programs, writing programs, lots of different stuff)
Aug 9 2010 3:22PM
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EastCoast315
Posts: 3136 - Karma: 137
alright, makes sense. So what is the difference between graduate and undergraduate?

And no mechanical engineering. Please. I am a failure at math. I'm a stage type of guy.
Aug 9 2010 3:24PM
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Ski_the_east01
Posts: 5203 - Karma: 2,306
hahahah you made me laugh pretty good with that

but your best bet right now would be to talk to your guidance counselor, my HS had one really good one that everyone went to because he really cared about the students, if you have one of these it will make your post-HS decision much easier/clearer

You dont necessarily walk out with tons of debt. There are books that are filled with just scholarships for students, buy one of those and even if out of the entire book you only get a $300 scholarship then you've more than paid for the book..also look at not living on campus (if possible) room/board will seriously jack up your bill at the end of 4 years
Aug 9 2010 3:24PM
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hanksy
Posts: 659 - Karma: 265
Well military is probably the worst route for dramatic education, and generally for gay toleration as well. Have you looked into in state schools? As those will be much cheaper than out of state or private schools. Also, register and spend a bunch of time on fastweb.com and collegeboard.com for scholarship and general college prep info. Lastly, there is so much information about this stuff, that you really should look into a college prep class at your school, I'm almost positive they'd have it.
Aug 9 2010 3:25PM
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scormier2
Posts: 124 - Karma: 14
Are there scholarships for being gay? Serious question. Hope that doesn't sound douchey of me, I just hadn't heard of this before.
Aug 9 2010 3:26PM
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Contender
Posts: 3318 - Karma: 233
not sure about the US but in Canada. a BA or BFA doesn't get you anywhere really. Maybe if you're goona be a teacher or counselor.

You'll wanna focus on business,health/sciences,engineering or law.

Those will get you a solid job quickly if you do well and get experience.

Try to stay away from sociology and all that stuff too, it doesn't really give you any room to go anywhere after you graduate. Where as commerce, engineering, health/sciences and law give you a ton.
Aug 9 2010 3:29PM
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Ski_the_east01
Posts: 5203 - Karma: 2,306
Theres literally scholarships for every type of person out there..there are definitely LGBT scholarships, theyre a proud and strong enough group and they definitely want to help each other out
Aug 9 2010 3:29PM
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EastCoast315
Posts: 3136 - Karma: 137
SUNY is State University of New York, aka, a state school. Cheaper.

and yes there are scholarships for being gay. My cousin did it. Not sure on details.
Aug 9 2010 3:29PM
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Contender
Posts: 3318 - Karma: 233
and yeah there are alot of scholarships to get. I got one for volunteering at a hospital for two years, one for hockey, and others from random companies such as banks for just writing an essay. Its seriously worth it, also if you get good grades, the university will give you a scholarship as well, it wont be much but its something.
Aug 9 2010 3:30PM
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scormier2
Posts: 124 - Karma: 14
That's pretty sweet. Good luck man. So you're graduating as a junior?
Aug 9 2010 3:31PM
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EastCoast315
Posts: 3136 - Karma: 137
yeah, getting the fuck out. Don't even care what I do, I just want to leave and start living. General consensus says I have a good enough head on my shoulders to make it alright.
Aug 9 2010 3:32PM
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Ski_the_east01
Posts: 5203 - Karma: 2,306
Also you said you're poor so make sure you parents send in for financial aid..I cant remember b/c it was a few years back but I know there are very low interest and zero interest loans the government offers based on your parents income
Aug 9 2010 3:33PM
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quixotic
Posts: 6937 - Karma: 2,978
Yeah, I wish they had grants/scholarships for heteros. I'm sick of being in debt.
Aug 9 2010 3:33PM
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scormier2
Posts: 124 - Karma: 14
I considered doing it, but I talked to someone who convinced me otherwise. He told me "take all of the free education that you can get." And plus I just want to graduate with the kids that I've gone all the way through school with.
Aug 9 2010 3:34PM
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Sir.Steezealot
Posts: 1156 - Karma: 677
I guess being hetero is frowned upon these days
Aug 9 2010 3:34PM
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Alex_G
Posts: 11902 - Karma: 1,019
apply for every scholarship you can find
Aug 9 2010 4:02PM
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EastCoast315
Posts: 3136 - Karma: 137
how do I find them and where do I apply?
Assume I know nothing. (because I really do know nothing)
Aug 9 2010 4:05PM
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five0
Posts: 11466 - Karma: 36
I started a thread on this stuff called What's Your Major Dude???, SUNY is a pretty excellent state university system with campuses in every part of the state it seems. My old school was SUNY Plattsburgh, less than an hour from Montreal which makes going to IF3 very easy and is close to Whiteface and not too far from Jay Peak. Im transferring to SUNY Oswego in a few weeks, not much for mountains out there, but they get tons of snow.
Aug 9 2010 4:06PM
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bangarangmules
Posts: 5065 - Karma: 84
I'd say talk to your guidance counselor, they should be able to give you information on everything...whether or not college is for you, finances, and anything else.

And also, not to be offensive at all but my cousin goes to Purchase and he says its overflowing with gays. He might have been being a little offensive, but definitely good for you man.

At the same time, SUNY schools are taking a lot of cuts, and that paired with the increasing amount of students that are applying/attending SUNY schools, I've found that it is becoming harder and harder to get the classes you need to complete your degree on time. That saying, I'd stay in school through senior year and try to take as many college credits as you can, because it will save you time and money in the future. That's the only reason that I'm still on track in college.

But that's just my two cents, good luck and hope everything works out.
Aug 9 2010 4:12PM
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FerrisBueller
Posts: 8280 - Karma: 5,173
made me lol because you meant to say ignorant but you said a hyphy skiing word ignant. i give you props for the misspelling. +k
Aug 9 2010 4:39PM
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VasilevSKI
Posts: 195 - Karma: 18
my friend is in the merchant marines and is graduating this year and he loves it. He goes to class sometimes throughout the year and the rest of the time he is on various ships traveling the world.
Aug 9 2010 4:56PM
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five0
Posts: 11466 - Karma: 36
I'll have my B.A for under 30k, some friends of mine however who went to private schools out of state owe about 140k. Not fun.
Aug 9 2010 5:07PM
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,686
This, it is amazing what doing a little work can get you.
Aug 9 2010 5:13PM
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Parrish
Posts: 8695 - Karma: 1,008
wat
Aug 9 2010 5:31PM
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EastCoast315
Posts: 3136 - Karma: 137
ehhh not sure about that dude. In a legitimate audition, having 4 years of solid, intensified schooling behind you really makes them look twice. And the difference between "some acting classes" and this is that they offer classes like script analysis, stage combat, dramatic structure, voice, stage makeup. Everything, like, EVERYTHING. I would love so much to learn about these things, and spending 4 years of my life and a few bucks doesn't seem like too bad of a trade.

The real issue at hand here is getting the degree and paying as little for it as is possible. Oh, and getting accepted, not sure how hard that would be?
Aug 9 2010 5:40PM
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Owen.
Posts: 1134 - Karma: 13
People who study commerce for their undergrad and then go on to get an MBA are by far the most boring job applicants ever... Getting a liberal arts education, while it doesn't have the most practical applications, can help a lot in the business world. A lot of business these days is in the professional services area and if you're meeting with clients a lot but can't talk about anything past supply/demand then I can't imagine it's any good for business.

You can always get a BA then get a graduate degree in law, medicine, business, whateva
Aug 9 2010 6:40PM
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Wolvmatt.
Posts: 529 - Karma: 12
If you want to go to school for free, you could apply to the Air Force Academy.  I'm not sure our opinion of fags is very favorable to you, though.
Aug 9 2010 6:46PM
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grown-ninja
Posts: 3031 - Karma: 175
aka SUNY POORCHOICE...
just playing but i go to manhattanville (2 seconds away) and that's what the rest of the kids at purchase call it.  Dorms are pretty legit from what i've seen however.  White planes has some legit nightlife, under 30 mins by train to manhattan, no traffic maybe less in a car, pretty easy to get drugs (not just bud) if that is what your i to.

for skiing it sorta stinks, mountain creek is about an hour away which isnt bad,
Aug 9 2010 7:03PM
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panojibber
Posts: 3382 - Karma: 216
If you lived in Canada I could help you sooooo much more.

I highly suggest talking to a guidance counsellor at your school. That will help you a lot, as they know more or less all of this stuff. For Drama you'll probably have to audition, don't know much about that but I'm sure you can find someone who'll help you.

And as for the paying for it part.... Thats part of the tradeoff. Before you go you should consider the fact that you need to pay off your debt at some point, and a degree in drama is not going to be the best for that. Although you don't have to do it all at once - you can do a year, take a year off if you want to. I know someone thats studying to be a geologist and is doing just that.

Grades won't be as important for a drama degree, but anything else you'll need them to be a bit higher for. But this all depends on the school you get into too - schools like Harvard and such are harder to get into, and more prestigious, but they also lead to the best job opportunities (in general). However just because a school has the best law program in the world doesn't mean their visual arts program would even be worth your time, for example. Different schools have different specialties.

There are scholarships for being gay actually hahaha, but generally it involves some kind of activism. I would suggest just applying to everything you possibly can and then see what happens. Really take the time and effort with your writing though. It makes all the difference when it comes to scholarships and applications. For example, I managed to get into the most competitive science program in Canada (/claim..) while my average was 8 or 9 percent lower than it should have been.

And above all, if you want to meet guys just don't go to a small community college, and don't go to Utah. Any large university and especially any in a liberal area will have a sizeable gay population. A lot of people come out first year too, or so I've been told.
Aug 9 2010 7:21PM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,240
what was done here should not be overlooked.

And yes, the US college system sucks. Canada, Germany, and pretty much every other country has very cheap schooling, and I know France has free college for citizens
Aug 9 2010 7:31PM
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EastCoast315
Posts: 3136 - Karma: 137
Alright, so key points:

-Talk to guidance counselor
-Apply to as many scholarships as possible
-Stay up on grades, etc.

So from here on in, DEVOTING to my grades, and when I'm not doing homework, I'm applying for scholarships. Got it.
Aug 9 2010 9:41PM
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frp1080
Posts: 1706 - Karma: 10
cheap doesnt mean good unless youre a jew
Aug 9 2010 9:44PM
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panojibber
Posts: 3382 - Karma: 216
This. ECAs are super important, try to do a bunch of volunteer work and stuff if possible. Universities really like that kind of stuff.
Aug 9 2010 9:47PM
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skiminnesota
Posts: 9093 - Karma: 429
maybe its been said, but what about community colleges in your area?

i know for me it was a great stepping stone to where i am now, and where im going in the future.

also do well enough in CC and colleges will fawn all over you. (sorta haha)
Aug 9 2010 9:48PM
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paige.
Posts: 1932 - Karma: 924
Bursaries are basically scholarships that take your financial situation into the picture- if you qualify these are great because you generally need less extra-curriculars and that sort of thing.
Apply for student loans even if you don't need them - it's interest free money for the time you are studying, if nothing else you can stick them into a savings bond or something and they can earn you money while you wait.
Try for the really obscure ones scholarships even if you think there is no point. A kid in my university did a presentation about how to get scholarships and he got something like a hockey scholarship from a small town in the middle of nowhere - he didn't play hockey and had never been to this place - he was however the only person to apply for the award in a couple of years.
Grades are important but not the most important. ALL of the kids applying for the large scholarships will have good grades (many of them 95%+ averages with honours classes) and lots of extracurriculars. They like things that show you are a leader... you need to start a club rather than join one, coach a soccer team rather than help out with one. The wider reaching whatever it is you do the better - nation>community>school. You need to stand out and show that you are passionate about things. So many of the kids these days do things just because it looks good on an application - you need to show that you actually care about what you are doing.

Some websites to look at for scholarships/bursaries:

And for you specifically... though I'm sure you found it by googling here's a list of the top LGBT scholarships:
Aug 9 2010 10:34PM
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EastCoast315
Posts: 3136 - Karma: 137
sick! Thanks
Aug 10 2010 1:57PM
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Thenowhereman42
Posts: 5682 - Karma: 65
Talk to your counselor instead of NS. They will have many scholarships to apply for. Apply for ALL of them. You will probably get some of them, especially if you are poor.

If you want you can try to get into CalArts where I live, its full of gay people and hipsters. Seriously everyone that goes there is either gay or a hipster or both. Its really hard to get in to though, they base it on an audition instead of grades and only let like 3 out of 400 people in or something. Tim Burton and some other famous people went there though I guess. They have rad parties.

Realistically though if you are paying for college yourself the best best is to go to community college for your first 2 years. It makes it easier to get in to a good 4 year, and my tuition this semester was....$350 i believe. If your family is in a low income bracket you should easily be able to get a full ride including books and shit. Wherever you go to college you do bullshit general ed classes for 2 years that don't teach you anything, so you might as well do them really cheap at a Jr. College.
Aug 10 2010 3:41PM
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EastCoast315
Posts: 3136 - Karma: 137
See, I would do the community college thing, but its more about the quality of the education than anything. I'd be going to school because I want to learn about the subject matter, getting through the cheapest way is usually my goal, but I don't want to skimp on quality this time around.
Aug 10 2010 5:17PM
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