Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Goal: Get INTO Debt

So that might sound counter productive to say that I want to get into debt this year, but there is a rational explanation for it. I really really really want to get into Grad school this year. And since I am self employed, make a decent amount of money for being single, I won't be getting any financial aid, and I haven't saved a dime. So I will be getting into a significant amount of debt in order to go to school. I have considered how this might not be the best idea in the current economy. But I worry that if I do not do it now I might miss my chance. But as always I am very lazy and have put off to the last minute getting my applications to the schools. And that could be why I didn't get in last year. I don't know. Maybe when they see me applying again this year they will see that I have some sticktoitiveness (is that really a word?) and let me in. I have applied to the following schools for the following reasons, (follow along:))

The University of Wyoming - Well the first reason should be obvious, I live in Wyoming so I would be paying in-state tuition. And they have the program that I want, Counselor of Education. This program is also a two year intense program, which is good for me so I can just get to it and get it done. I understand that it is very difficult to get through, but I am determined. Not only would I be paying in-state tuition I would also be living closer to family, in fact, I might be living with family if I can't find a reasonable place to live and good job. UW would be the most comfortable transition to school out of the three options.

The University of New Mexico - I was very surprised to find out that UNM had the program I was interested in. It isn't exactly like the program at UW but it is close enough to consider. I would be paying out of state tuition, but I know I can live in Albuquerque again. I still have friends and family down there and I know my way around. And this is pretty much the only way I can see myself moving back down to NM. This program can take three to four years to complete, but if I focus I think I can make sure to do it in three. The would be my second choice because it is familiar.

Boise State - The reason I picked this school is because it is the only other school in the surrounding states that had the program I wanted, didn't require a teachers licence or the GRE (basically the ACT/SAT for grad school). This program can take three to four years to complete, but again, if I apply myself I can probably get it done in three. This would be the biggest change because it would be moving to a new state, again having to pay out of state tuition, and a new school which I know nothing about. And I would be moving farther away from any family.

I also applied for Western New Mexico University, my alma mater, but there program seems sketchy to me. You are conditionally accepted until after you have finished your first semester. It is then that they decide whether to officially accept you into the program. So you can move your whole life down there and then four months later be told you weren't accepted. Not too cool. So I haven't finished any of the other application info for WNMU.

And as a back up, backup plan, Adam's State University in Alamosa, CO has an online program that seems like it could work. There is no instate/our of state tuition difference and I would only have to go down there two weeks every summer for workshops. But I will have to see how the first three pan out before I make that kind of decision.

Pray for me!!!

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