You Can Go to College and Pay for It
By Ally, age 13, California
Do you think it's kind of scary thinking about college when you are only in junior high or early in high school like me? In a way, it's very scary. College is the key to getting a good job and being able to support yourself. Some people may think, "Oh, I'm from a poor family, and I'm not going to go to college because I cannot pay for it." Well, there are lots of ways to pay for college. You could earn a scholarship, and there are student loans, grants, and lots of other ways.
There are hundreds of scholarships out there. Sometimes families make scholarships in honor of lost loved ones, and they give money to college students. Some are just totally random, like someone could get a scholarship for being left handed or having blue eyes. The only thing you have to do in order to get a scholarship is look for one you like and apply. It never hurts.
There are private and government student loans. Private student loans are loans given to students by companies such as banks or restaurants, and so on. Government loans are loans given to students by the government. Sure, you have to pay them back, but it's worth it if you go to college. If you get a good paying job you could pay it off that way.
Grants are like scholarships - they are free money to go to college. This is why it's a good thing to apply for lots of grants and scholarships so then you don't have to pay as much for your tuition and take out as many loans. Even if you are from a poor family, never think you can't go to college. Get on the computer and do some research. It never hurts.
