Navigating Obstacles in My College Pursuits

As an immigrant in the United States with parents unfamiliar with the college application process, I took it upon myself to navigate through the complex procedures involved in applying to colleges, especially during the challenges posed by COVID-19. With limited assistance available from my high school, I devoted countless hours to successfully navigating the FAFSA and TAP processes.

Attending a private college in New York City provided some relief, as I received financial aid that eased the burden. However, as my semesters progressed, I encountered the harsh reality of the volatile nature of financial aid grants, which are susceptible to fluctuations in both student and parental income. Despite my initial sense of financial security due to receiving a generous academic scholarship, a recent experience brought me to my breaking point.

I discovered that my TAP grant had significantly decreased due to a minor increase in my parents’ income, despite my Expected Family Contribution (EFC) remaining unchanged for the academic year. This revelation not only highlights the vulnerability of students to sudden reductions in aid but also underscores systemic flaws in the financial aid distribution process.

Additionally, as an IB diploma recipient, I faced obstacles in transferring credits from high school to college. Despite earning high scores and being informed that I would receive credit for certain classes, I was disappointed to learn that my college was willing to offer me only a fraction of the credits I expected. This situation compelled me to take a summer class, which I paid out of pocket to maintain my academic trajectory.

Despite these financial and academic hurdles, I remained resilient and unwavering in pursuit of my goals. My journey exemplifies the myriad challenges students encounter within the financial aid system and the complexities of credit transfer from high school to college.

By fostering a deeper understanding and providing robust support in navigating financial aid processes, college applications, and credit transfers, we can empower future generations to access greater opportunities and encounter fewer obstacles in their college pursuits.

A student majoring in Business Analytics from St. John’s University.