How can I get financial aid for college?

How can I get a financial aid for college?

• Here is my situation. Please do not preach and/or judge, I am just desperate for help. -I have a 2.8 GPA because my grades slipped a lot in my junior year. -My has a huge gross income, but has been horrendous with managing his money, so although it would appear to grant companies that he could afford to pay for my college, he is nowhere near capable, or willing. I completely disagree with everything he has done and have considered emancipation so they can see that I truly do need the financial aid. -Although I did not do very well in high school, I am actually very intelligent and got the 2nd highest test scores in 2 out of 3 categories in my entire high school. -I am only interested in Music, Photography, or Abnormal Psychology. I will not settle for something that I am not passionate about like Business or Accountancy Marketing. -I cannot qualify for loans because of my dad's terrible credit. -Both my mother and father refuse to co-sign for me even if they were eligible. -I am a strong believer in paying as you go and would like to do everything possible to avoid debt aka LOANS. -Not one of my 4 older siblings or my parents have attended college, and none of them are supportive of me going to college at all. -I am white, so I cannot qualify for any ethnic scholarships. -I am an Arizona resident. -I am a female. -My high school has an extremely weak guidance counselor program. PLEASE someone give me some advice. I have just finished to consult with my mother about this but she does not want me to go to college at all. Preferably a school counselor, administrator, or someone with some kind of experience in this area. I would appreciate it so much.

• Answer:

  I have been in your shoes. My parents could not afford to send me to school. So I went to my college's financial aid department. There was a wealth of information there. So many scholarship applications there depending on your major. Also I spoke with the financial advisor and I had to fill out a form due to my special circumstances that I support myself. Also you can get a minority scholarship if you go to an Historic Black College. I know a lot of white people who went to Howard Univ and got minority scholarships. Make sure you fill out the FAFSA before your states deadline so you can get the most consideration for grants and scholarships. Im most certain you will get a lot of scholarships and grants since u will be first in ur family to attend college. Also if you apply early u can qualify for Federal Work Study programs. Say u get 4000 for work study..... U would work a set of hours and a certain amount of pay.... until u made 4000. If all fails, u can always make payment plans with your school. Most schools have some type of payment arrangements. BUT stay away from loans!!! Good luck!!