• Despite her strong academic performance in high school and her interest in pursuing a career in chemical engineering, Mary reveals, “I’m starting to think that college just isn’t worth it. I don’t see how a college degree is going to help me in the future if it costs so much. Aren’t I better off just going straight into a job with my high school degree and saving my money?” • “I’ve been looking at the published costs of attendance on college websites, and they’re insanely high! There’s no way my family and I can afford such prices.”
• “I know financial aid is available for students, but I don’t know what types there are, let alone how to apply for financial aid. Even if I knew how to apply, should I apply? I don’t think I’ll qualify and I don’t want to put in all that work for nothing.”
• “I know that I have to start paying my loans right after I graduate college. But what if I don’t have a job by that time? And what if I can’t afford my monthly payments? I don’t want to take that risk.”
You recognize that Mary has a few misconceptions and gaps in knowledge about how to pay for college and want to make sure that she makes a decision based on the right information. In 4-5 paragraphs, respond to Mary about each of her concerns.