I have 3 degrees. I would have gotten 4, but my major is in Education, and most school districts prefer not to hire a teacher with a PhD because they'll have to pay more money. If you teach in college, thats different though.
During my 5th year of PhD, I run out of money too. Being an international student who couldn’t work outside of campus. It was tough for me but I decided to take the risk and drove uber full time for a year to pay for school in addition to helping families back home who do not understand the struggle here but always expect money from you as long as you’re in America. Today it’s paid off. I’m a tenure track assistant professor.
I got a 14000usd scholarship for a university in Iowa and am suppose to pay the res 32000usd, I believe I can be successful in the USA, should I take this opportunity or just remain in Tanzania
Patrick, take it and come. You may not know what will happen. Let me use my life as an example: when I first got admission for my masters, the school offered me only partial funding. And I needed to pay the other half out of pocket. But when I came and they realized I was serious, they gave me full funding and that’s how I was able to complete my masters. PhD too was a similar situation so I will advise you to take it as long as u can get the visa, because that’s another struggle...lol
You can only negotiate if your GPA is very high. So, word to wise keep your GPA up. I say that because a lot of student do not understand how free school can be by just keeping a high GPA.
This is actually not true. There is a difference between need based and merit based aid, and need based aid is independent of your GPA. Now your GPA often factors into your admission in the first place, but once you’re accepted into a school, a higher GPA won’t necessarily get you better financial aid
@@IjeomaKolaYT potential for success is shown with a higher GPa. Unless of course your gpa was low and you were able to get all these free aid then i think it best to advise people to have high gpa or at least one above 3.0. Now you might be talkjng exclusively about ivy league which you went to your entire academic career. Ivy leagues like columbia have large endowments. Johns hopkins all tou have to do is get accepted and get need based if you meet critieria. But, in my experience maintaining an above 3.0 gpa at public universities is ideal to get aid and lots of it.
Knighting Gale I’m not suggesting that people should have poor GPAs. I’m making a distinction between financial aid structures of need based and merit based programs. At a need based institution, which is where I went for undergrad and what I have authority to speak on, GPA is irrelevant to the discussion of aid. Obviously for merit based aid, GPA becomes important.
Just sent this to my sister, she’s a senior in high school and she’s currently applying for schools and financial aid! Super helpful, thank You Ijeoma!
@Kay You academic merit scholarships (that usually only take into account your SAT score and your GPA) are available regardless of your family's income. University of Alabama literally gives full rides to freshman students with +3.5 GPA and +1300 SAT.
You were basically blessed with brilliant parents who taught u great discipline, excellent values, the importance of hard work and you had GOD’s favour. But above all you’ve had a great foundation. I didn’t have any of that but your testimony has given me hope.
Not taking anything away from people who just love school, but maybe it's over compensation? I have heard the stories from many first generation African Americans and the note the pressure from their parents to achieve high credentials in traditional education.
What are folks going on about with the amateurish psycho-babble? Most folks who get an advanced degree do so primarily because of an interest in knowledge. If folks were simply looking for a job, they would go no further than the first certification they can get, and folks who are looking to “compensate” to so with money not with graduate degrees. Meanwhile, Asians pursue advanced education just as much (if not more) than Nigerians, yet hardly (if ever) seen any two-bit psychoanalysis of why they do so.
I know right, most times it's nothing more than just a bragging right. Vocational courses are not highly rated in Nigeria yet the plumbers, construction workers, electrical and mechanical installation engineers make good money and the backbone of the economies of modern and industrialised nations. A person with 3 degrees in Nigeria with no significant experience might think he's got more in life already than the people in the aforementioned careers.
You guys and Caribbean students who come to the United States are great role models. When I worked as a manager for Basic Communication and the college computer labs, I hired foreign students to tutor because they all were in the International Honor Society with 4.0 GPAs. They really inspired the American students. They even inspired me to return to school and get my second degree and a graduate degree as well. Now, my daughter and I are returning to school: my daughter wants a second degree in Computer Animation. I, however, am returning to graduate school to finish my Doctorate after having to take a medical leave.
I never knew this either. This was interesting to learn about. What department would you go to and try to negotiate with? The Dean of the department you applied to or through the financial aid and bursars office? And curious if once columbia offered you two years of funding, what method did you use to negotiate- to go there and set up a meeting in person to speak face to face or just by sending a letter?
Great question! I think at the graduate level negotiations may be better done directly with the department/program rather than with the financial aid dept or deans office. I had a pretty good relationship with a faculty member in the dept I wanted to enter so he personally called me to tell me I was accepted, and I called him back when ready to negotiate being upfront that I wanted to come but other schools gave me more funding. That way he was able to advocate with the dept on my behalf to get me more funding.
I was just WAITING for the moment when she would say her parents paid for her education...and there it was. And at that point, I stopped watching, although the negotiating your financial aid package bit is good advice, though hardly any schools will negotiate that anymore with shrinking endowments and enrollments.
I am now doing my BSN and have paid out of pocket all through. I had to stay in community college get my paramedic work pay my RN work now paying bachelors
Hey just to let you know, there are students at top universities from underprivileged backgrounds. Their financial aid packages not only cover tuition room and board but also a monthly stipend.
This is a wonderful video, I am an Honors Graduate with a master and am in my 1st year working on my Ph.D. in International Diplomacy. I have watched your video and really appreciate this valuable information. Bless You!
Flaming Falcons Yes, you can negotiate! If a student has what a school wants (potential, diversity, etc.), they will negotiate. If your finances change, negotiate. Also, Africans are valued and recruited for certain programs involving aid because of their success rate-you don't throw money at a bad investment. Nigerians value education. Academic achievement is expected in their culture. I am Afro-American. 2 of my children went to Ivies. I did negotiate for 1. Good luck.
Marilyn Wathington I’m still in a community college. Working 60 hrs a week while taking online classes. I have bills to pay. On top of that, my school never mentioned anything regarding negotiation when it came to financial aid. They always said “this is all the federal award you got.” I’ll start talking about negotiations next year.
You're really smart, not only book smart but life smart. I'm a medical school dropout, who was always bad with finances and did not understand the dangers of student loans in my 20s. My parents were also bad with money. Wish I knew back then what I know now.. It's important that you're sharing this info. People can take away valuable tips even if it's not all applicable to their specific situations. Bottom line is that there are ways around going into debt for higher education
I'm an international student and attended Dartmouth for undergrad. For international students, apply to schools that have need-blind admissions and financial aid. Most of the Ivy leagues offer this, and some of the higher ranked liberal arts colleges - Amherst, Williams, Middlebury, Wesleyan, Bowdoin etc.
we are the same people. Most of the slaves that were shipped here were from Nigeria or some other Western African country like Ghana, Seira leone. Some of us are also hard workng, Our ancestors worked HARD with no pay for many years. Now we just slaves at our jobs. Anyway after saying all that, most of our ancestors came from the West Coast of Africa.
Thank you so much for this! Columbia’s my top pick for a MA in Psychology, and I’ve been down for the past week trying to figure out how I’d fund my education. Luckily I stumbled into your video. Thanks for the great information. I genuinely appreciate it. 💛
Thank you so much for sharing love♥️♥️♥️I actually have been trying to decide if I want to pursue my Masters. My undergrad was a total disaster (in my opinion) and sometimes I wonder if I wanna go back just to prove to myself that I can be studious and apply myself to reach “that level”. Is this a bad mindset to go into grad school?😫
Hey girl, I know you weren't seeking advice from me but as a person who did undergrad, it wasnt a disaster or a bed of roses, I would encourage everyone to get a master's degree BUT know the field you would like to go into. Depending on the program, sometimes depends on the funding aspect of it. As a MS student, I implore you to inquire within yourself what program you wish to go into and why? What motivates you? And not just to do it to prove it to yourself. YOU ARE TOTALLY ABLE!! You got your BA. A masters program is time, money, and devotion to a program for a usual minimum of two years. Think about it before you jump in. For me, I personally kick myself in the butt (from time to time) for not doing my program earlier, but in the same breath, am SOOOO grateful for the timing and alignment of me in my program now. Long story short, think about what program you want to go into, the job prospects, and the why of what you want to do with it afterwards before you go into any program. ALL THE BEST! YOU ARE ABLE!
Sounds like you should read this post about whether you should do a PhD: www.ijeomakola.com/why-you-should-not-get-a-phd/. In short, wanting to prove something to yourself isn’t a good reason to do any graduate program. You finished your undergrad, that’s what matters!
(Advice) When I completed my bachelors 3 years ago, my experience was mediocre. Many people made the assumptions that I graduated with a high gpa, when I didn't! I made several mistakes that I had to learn on my own (plus I was working 2 jobs and was involved at my university). I came in thinking I wanted to go into the field of medicine or dentistry, but I didn't do well in my science classes, which brought down my gpa. I spent the last 2 years in undergrad working my butt off to bring my gpa up. I am currently in my master's program, and I am doing SO much better because I am in the RIGHT program and pursuing the career that God wanted me to be in! I've come across other masters and phd students and many of them are proving it to themselves, and or their parents. I say you should spend ample of time researching different graduate programs that you are interested in. My masters program is typically 2 years for a part-time student, but since I am full time, I am completing this degree in a year, which is possible (it's not easy, but I CAN DO IT!). I've learn so much more about myself in grad school. I learned that I am meant to be there (just like everyone else), I am finally in the right path of pursuing my career aspirations, and I am doing it for myself! There's nothing wrong with proving it to yourself because many people are, but are ashamed to admit it. You are capable of achieving anything, especially if the motivation is there. So do your research! Grad school is hard, but again, YOU ARE CAPABLE just like everyone else. Just make sure your motivation, the passion, and a good support system is there for you!
If you are Nigerian, then we are Neighbors. My family is from Benin, representing the Yoruba people here.
5 років тому+10
DEGREES ARE NOTHING WITHOUT MEANS.. IT ALL COMES DOWN TO DOLLARS AND CENTS.. THE REALITY OF LIFE. YOU HAVE THOUSANDS OF BRILLIANT GRADUATES WITH NO MEANS.
Lord, I see what you have done for other people.🙏 Thank you for this video. I hope I will be able to complete my Social Work education debt-free. Thank You!
@@momiley6475 I got some scholarships that paid for like half of my tuition, and the other half I had to pay on my own, so I had to work a lot in the summer, and part time during the school year. Discipline is also important, I usually ate noodles or cooked something simple, ate out like once a month. I also don't spend money carelessly, and I make sure I save atleast $50 a month for emergencies. Basically, living within my means, I don't buy clothes, or shoes, or anything to show off. But now I got internship that pays better so my life has greatly improved, so for the first time in like 2 years I went shopping. But discipline is very important. Tell her to look at all possible scholarship opportunities.
Girl...this was almost me except I applied to medical school. 😅 That’s okay - I’m super happy/lucky. :D I am making it my mission to limit my loan to my first year of medical school and go loan-free in the last three years. The years between graduating college and getting into med school were rough, as my priorities weren’t straight so I missed out on a lot of opportunities. Oh, well. I’m on the right track now! 😃
This video is extremely helpful!! I've decided to pursue a master's degree and I've always been thinking of how to pay for it. Thank you so much for helping me see beyond my "limit". The two folks that disliked this video must be extremely bitter.
Columbia only allow full time for law school so I won’t be applying anymore I need something that I can go part time as a mom and wife. So right now I’m focused on working to save more so eventually when the timing is right I can attend law school. I wouldn’t want to rush anything at the moment. I just don’t like the idea of going to school with huge debts 🤦🏽♀️
Parents paid. Phd after masters....first make sure you have phenomenal grades. Case closed. Years 3 to 5..did you not get columbia?? 3 sources. They are both smart.
First of all let me say I am so happy that you are married to a black man. I don't know why but it just makes my heart Happy. Secondly, the schedule that you were able to manage in the sacrifices that you surely had to make in order to make this happen, not to mention the strategy and negotiation skills are very admirable. I just want to point out that I'm willing to do all of those same things in order to get a PhD! The thing is I have ADHD and even listening to your schedule made my head spin. We can have all the willingness and the world but when our brains won't cooperate that is another issue. I find that it is not really talked about and the black space, and I have a channel devoted to doing just that but thank you for sharing your story. I am researching PHD programs now. Thank you for debunking the myth that Ivy League schools are expensive. I think that's something else they want black people to think so that they won't even try to apply to them. And I especially like the note about voting for the right people in office to reduce student loan debt. It is not the only issue on the table and it's hard to vote for someone who was going to make all your needs come true, but we can at least be informed. Thank you so much and I can't wait to delve into more of your content!
Great and lots of information. I appreciate it. I would love to hear how you got into Ivy league schools. Would my kids to get into the Ivy league schools and would want to know how to navigate that as a parent and what students need to know, have and do as well cuz I believe it is a collective effort. Thank you IJ.
Ughh I have a BA in Theology (VU University), BA in Psychology (Webster University) and MA in Cognitive Science (Columbia Univ), zero financial debt but now I want to get a PsyD in Clinical Psychology at Alliant but I'm a Dutch citizen and it is NOT easy. pfff
Hello my Naija sister, your video was very informative. I have a bachelor's degree in accounting and student loans of slightly over 50K. I have intentions of going for my master's degree at a reputable and accredited school. The particular school seems to offer grants and scholarships that they partner up with and may reject outside funding. This worries me a great deal. Any suggestion??? Thanks in advance.
@Ijeoma your blog "Reasons why you should not get a Phd" saved me from making a huge mistake... (deep down)it wasnt going to be for me...it was for my parents...my BS and MA will suffice but I am done..my parents better be grateful and brag with that lol
Congrats young lady! My daughter has Harvard, Yale, Wellesley, and U Chicago all offering 75% It would have been 100% if our income was under 65k. She's going pre-med. It is easier than EVER right now to get into Ivy Leagues paid for if you are in the top 5% of your class.
College should be free!!!! I have an experience bc where I couldn't go to college b.c my mom wouldn't hand in her tax forms. I wasn't of "age" or active duty military or a mom to go without her forms. Smh. N e how I was wondering how this was possible did you get a full ride scholarship or join those sority/ fraternity groups? Y didn't you join them? Just wondering. I was so surprised you went to those private schools n r debt free. However I would've go either way.
Hi! Thanks so much for your videos. They are super helpful. I will be starting my Graduate degree at Cornell in the fall and I was wondering whether you think negotiating over the phone or an email is best? Also, would you recommend negotiating with my department or the overarching graduate school administration?
what is your advice? I'm from Africa living in PA . A school had accepted me to do my Master. I have no idea of funding school in the US . I 'M thinking of taking Fed student loan but I don't want to complete the program with a huge debt. what is your advice?
Hello, I wish I had this information years ago when I was working on my bachelor's degree. All I had to do was finish 3 or 4 courses to get my bachelor's degree, but that didn't happen because my financial aid ran out. I was crushed because I had been working sooo hard the previous 6 years on my education. I have zero family support and therefore, I had no one that could cosign a loan for me to finish my last semester. I am a single mom of 3 kids and I'm Puerto Rican. I want to know if there is anything that I can do to finish my bachelor's degree? After I finish my bachelor's degree I will get more financial aid towards a master's degree. I would appreciate it if you can lean me in the right direction. Thank you.
@John KING Wow, talk about making sacrifices to get what you want. I will definitely remember your story. Thank you for sharing that. I'm starting to have hope again. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Question: my daughter is going back to college to get her second bachelor's degree to become RN, she already exhausted FASFA from her first degree, I am trying to find a way for her to get help to keep on with the RN she is currently enrolled in, she has fantastic grades (always did very well in all her schooling, amen) can you direct a path or paths? I dont need her stressed out about money, she does work three jobs right now. Any advice would be great. Thank you in advance.
Once you receive an admission letter you’ll likely receive info about funding/financial aid - it would be premature to request funding before you receive admission, but while you’re investigating programs you can also ask them about funding options
You have FOUR Degrees. Don't let anyone downplay your accomplishments
5
I have 3 degrees. I would have gotten 4, but my major is in Education, and most school districts prefer not to hire a teacher with a PhD because they'll have to pay more money. If you teach in college, thats different though.
@@amberrose1108 What about your Associates Degree?
You don't need an associate degree before You get a bachelor's degree.
@@TheDvnm123 im stupid can you explain more plz
During my 5th year of PhD, I run out of money too. Being an international student who couldn’t work outside of campus. It was tough for me but I decided to take the risk and drove uber full time for a year to pay for school in addition to helping families back home who do not understand the struggle here but always expect money from you as long as you’re in America. Today it’s paid off. I’m a tenure track assistant professor.
congratulations I am happy for you!!!
I got a 14000usd scholarship for a university in Iowa and am suppose to pay the res 32000usd, I believe I can be successful in the USA, should I take this opportunity or just remain in Tanzania
Patrick, take it and come. You may not know what will happen. Let me use my life as an example: when I first got admission for my masters, the school offered me only partial funding. And I needed to pay the other half out of pocket. But when I came and they realized I was serious, they gave me full funding and that’s how I was able to complete my masters. PhD too was a similar situation so I will advise you to take it as long as u can get the visa, because that’s another struggle...lol
👏👏👏👏👏
kwame ghana hello kwame I really need certain information on tenure tracking. Did you do postdoctoral before securing tenure track?
My brain shut down and stopped watching when she said my parents paid...
Nothing wrong with that. For Africans, where the legacy isn't old money, the best thing is education.
@@FranEJ absolutely
Thanks for sharing.
You can only negotiate if your GPA is very high. So, word to wise keep your GPA up. I say that because a lot of student do not understand how free school can be by just keeping a high GPA.
This is actually not true. There is a difference between need based and merit based aid, and need based aid is independent of your GPA. Now your GPA often factors into your admission in the first place, but once you’re accepted into a school, a higher GPA won’t necessarily get you better financial aid
@@IjeomaKolaYT potential for success is shown with a higher GPa. Unless of course your gpa was low and you were able to get all these free aid then i think it best to advise people to have high gpa or at least one above 3.0. Now you might be talkjng exclusively about ivy league which you went to your entire academic career. Ivy leagues like columbia have large endowments. Johns hopkins all tou have to do is get accepted and get need based if you meet critieria. But, in my experience maintaining an above 3.0 gpa at public universities is ideal to get aid and lots of it.
Knighting Gale I’m not suggesting that people should have poor GPAs. I’m making a distinction between financial aid structures of need based and merit based programs. At a need based institution, which is where I went for undergrad and what I have authority to speak on, GPA is irrelevant to the discussion of aid. Obviously for merit based aid, GPA becomes important.
@@IjeomaKolaYT hi
Jack Spade keep telling yourself that as the more you rationalize it you will feel better about yourself.
Just sent this to my sister, she’s a senior in high school and she’s currently applying for schools and financial aid! Super helpful, thank You Ijeoma!
You’re welcome!
@Kay You academic merit scholarships (that usually only take into account your SAT score and your GPA) are available regardless of your family's income. University of Alabama literally gives full rides to freshman students with +3.5 GPA and +1300 SAT.
Ijeoma Kola Perhaps you could do a video breaking down a little more about the negotiation process for financial aid?
🗣 Naija no dey carry last 🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬
Na so!!
What does this mean? :-)
Yes what does this mean??
Thanks for the response,@@princess287love. It's the first time I am hearing the phrase.
@@JAdoreQT123456 - It means Nigerians remain on top of the game/ahead of the curve. Similar connotation to Black Excellence.
You were basically blessed with brilliant parents who taught u great discipline, excellent values, the importance of hard work and you had GOD’s favour. But above all you’ve had a great foundation. I didn’t have any of that but your testimony has given me hope.
I wish I had known the value of this information when I was a freshman in high school. You are an amazing communicator & role model! Job well done!
I don't believe in luck but blessings.Give honor to who honor is due to. You are blessed :)
Amen!
@Hol M Blessed for knowing how to use proper grammar. Clearly not your case
Yes, that’s what I was thinking too. Blessings from parents and most of all God
Hallelu-Yahuah
What a queen 👸🏽
You are divinely blessed!
I receive that!
My parents didn’t attend college nor did they support me in doing so. I have student loans but working on becoming debt free!
I’m on the same boat as well. I’m planning on being debt free in less than 3 years
Nigerians and degrees every Nigerian I know has atleast 3 degrees, one guy has 8 why???? What do you use that many degrees for?
Options my brother options. Also learning and investing in yourself is never a waste especially if done wisely.
Not taking anything away from people who just love school, but maybe it's over compensation? I have heard the stories from many first generation African Americans and the note the pressure from their parents to achieve high credentials in traditional education.
What are folks going on about with the amateurish psycho-babble? Most folks who get an advanced degree do so primarily because of an interest in knowledge. If folks were simply looking for a job, they would go no further than the first certification they can get, and folks who are looking to “compensate” to so with money not with graduate degrees. Meanwhile, Asians pursue advanced education just as much (if not more) than Nigerians, yet hardly (if ever) seen any two-bit psychoanalysis of why they do so.
Lmao in Nigeria, schooling is a big deal. . When they get the chance .. they just keep going nonstop.. mostly it’s a bragging right for parents
I know right, most times it's nothing more than just a bragging right. Vocational courses are not highly rated in Nigeria yet the plumbers, construction workers, electrical and mechanical installation engineers make good money and the backbone of the economies of modern and industrialised nations.
A person with 3 degrees in Nigeria with no significant experience might think he's got more in life already than the people in the aforementioned careers.
You guys and Caribbean students who come to the United States are great role models. When I worked as a manager for Basic Communication and the college computer labs, I hired foreign students to tutor because they all were in the International Honor Society with 4.0 GPAs.
They really inspired the American students. They even inspired me to return to school and get my second degree and a graduate degree as well. Now, my daughter and I are returning to school: my daughter wants a second degree in Computer Animation. I, however, am returning to graduate school to finish my Doctorate after having to take a medical leave.
Wow, never thought of negotiating funding! Thanks for sharing 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽
YES, I'd appreciate a video on the ups & downs of your PhD. I still aspire to secure mine.
Congratulations! You’re super blessed oooo! This is totally me. 0% debt!
You are wise and smart, proud of you :)
Wow! I never knew that you could negotiate financial aid packages.
Yes! There’s no harm asking
Yes!
I never knew this either. This was interesting to learn about. What department would you go to and try to negotiate with? The Dean of the department you applied to or through the financial aid and bursars office? And curious if once columbia offered you two years of funding, what method did you use to negotiate- to go there and set up a meeting in person to speak face to face or just by sending a letter?
Great question! I think at the graduate level negotiations may be better done directly with the department/program rather than with the financial aid dept or deans office. I had a pretty good relationship with a faculty member in the dept I wanted to enter so he personally called me to tell me I was accepted, and I called him back when ready to negotiate being upfront that I wanted to come but other schools gave me more funding. That way he was able to advocate with the dept on my behalf to get me more funding.
Me neither
Yes! Please do a video on your PhD journey. I would love for my students and my daughter to take notes from you.
Same, I have always wanted to do my PhD but I am still recovering from the trauma of my Masters. One day. This was a great video.
Can you do a video on your STATS in high school: your ACT/SAT scores
GPA
Types of classes you took
WHY????
@@clarkclarke because those can help reduce loans
I was just WAITING for the moment when she would say her parents paid for her education...and there it was. And at that point, I stopped watching, although the negotiating your financial aid package bit is good advice, though hardly any schools will negotiate that anymore with shrinking endowments and enrollments.
!!!!!!!!!!
Mike Hollabaugh you’re correct.
Tho
She’s a Nigerian sister . It’s no biggie when you come from a privileged background.
I am now doing my BSN and have paid out of pocket all through. I had to stay in community college get my paramedic work pay my RN work now paying bachelors
Hey just to let you know, there are students at top universities from underprivileged backgrounds. Their financial aid packages not only cover tuition room and board but also a monthly stipend.
Bingo! Anyone can get a college education without paying for it....if someone else pays for it.
Ijeoma the Brave! I am proud of you, and I applaud your accomplishments
HOW??? You use your brain on an UNDERSTANDING MANNER...👏👏👏
I tried to negotiate for my son, the financial aid lady said he should go to that school. Lol
Ticia o dag that was cold
This is a wonderful video, I am an Honors Graduate with a master and am in my 1st year working on my Ph.D. in International Diplomacy. I have watched your video and really appreciate this valuable information. Bless You!
side note, major congratulations and kudos to you on your incredible achievements!
I never heard of negotiating for financial aid before. The school always said this is the amount you were awarded and that was it.
Flaming Falcons Yes, you can negotiate! If a student has what a school wants (potential, diversity, etc.), they will negotiate. If your finances change, negotiate. Also, Africans are valued and recruited for certain programs involving aid because of their success rate-you don't throw money at a bad investment. Nigerians value education. Academic achievement is expected in their culture. I am Afro-American. 2 of my children went to Ivies. I did negotiate for 1. Good luck.
Wow interesting!
Marilyn Wathington I’m still in a community college. Working 60 hrs a week while taking online classes. I have bills to pay. On top of that, my school never mentioned anything regarding negotiation when it came to financial aid. They always said “this is all the federal award you got.” I’ll start talking about negotiations next year.
Best way to have zero debt? Be a citizen of a country that doesn't offer loans. Nigeria for example, you either have it or you don't.
I found this channel,I found home🤗🤗
I literally binged watch all your videos and read your blogs,true fan here😫
More love❤️
Every sentence of this video is edited... That's mind blowing in itself..... I'm inspired by your academic background👍
Wow incredible example of black excellence Ijeoma, amazing...
Very insightful video Ijeoma 👌🏿. I love how you emphasized about negotiating. Thank you for sharing 😊
You’re welcome!
Very helpful! Thanks for sharing! Glad you’re parents supported you!
You're really smart, not only book smart but life smart. I'm a medical school dropout, who was always bad with finances and did not understand the dangers of student loans in my 20s. My parents were also bad with money. Wish I knew back then what I know now.. It's important that you're sharing this info. People can take away valuable tips even if it's not all applicable to their specific situations. Bottom line is that there are ways around going into debt for higher education
I'm an international student and attended Dartmouth for undergrad. For international students, apply to schools that have need-blind admissions and financial aid. Most of the Ivy leagues offer this, and some of the higher ranked liberal arts colleges - Amherst, Williams, Middlebury, Wesleyan, Bowdoin etc.
Yes!!!
bn7613
Hey,
I would like to have more information on how an international student can find financial aids and what is need having admission?
Dartmouth, Bowdoin, Williams and etc aren't need-blind. Only 5 American colleges are need blind, the rest is need aware.
@@lissa4750 thanks, I'm not up to date on everything. Dartmouth was need blind when I applied.
@@sensationsauvage3107 just check online, the schools usually list what's needed to apply including for international students.
Nigerians, that's why they fit anywhere, everywhere but go for the best. And are hardworking 💪
we are the same people. Most of the slaves that were shipped here were from Nigeria or some other Western African country like Ghana, Seira leone. Some of us are also hard workng, Our ancestors worked HARD with no pay for many years. Now we just slaves at our jobs. Anyway after saying all that, most of our ancestors came from the West Coast of Africa.
Congratulations you are such an inspiration and people like you make me proud to be Nigerian.
Thank you so much for this! Columbia’s my top pick for a MA in Psychology, and I’ve been down for the past week trying to figure out how I’d fund my education. Luckily I stumbled into your video. Thanks for the great information. I genuinely appreciate it. 💛
as a college student this is so inspiring and insightful!
everything about you screams healthy. wow!
AMAZING so inspiring and grateful to hear
Thank you so much for sharing love♥️♥️♥️I actually have been trying to decide if I want to pursue my Masters.
My undergrad was a total disaster (in my opinion) and sometimes I wonder if I wanna go back just to prove to myself that I can be studious and apply myself to reach “that level”.
Is this a bad mindset to go into grad school?😫
Hey girl, I know you weren't seeking advice from me but as a person who did undergrad, it wasnt a disaster or a bed of roses, I would encourage everyone to get a master's degree BUT know the field you would like to go into. Depending on the program, sometimes depends on the funding aspect of it. As a MS student, I implore you to inquire within yourself what program you wish to go into and why? What motivates you? And not just to do it to prove it to yourself. YOU ARE TOTALLY ABLE!! You got your BA. A masters program is time, money, and devotion to a program for a usual minimum of two years. Think about it before you jump in. For me, I personally kick myself in the butt (from time to time) for not doing my program earlier, but in the same breath, am SOOOO grateful for the timing and alignment of me in my program now. Long story short, think about what program you want to go into, the job prospects, and the why of what you want to do with it afterwards before you go into any program. ALL THE BEST! YOU ARE ABLE!
No advice, but I feel you on this.
My masters was a LOT of work -- but because it was a different type of work (including a thesis) -- sometimes I think it was easier.
Sounds like you should read this post about whether you should do a PhD: www.ijeomakola.com/why-you-should-not-get-a-phd/. In short, wanting to prove something to yourself isn’t a good reason to do any graduate program. You finished your undergrad, that’s what matters!
(Advice) When I completed my bachelors 3 years ago, my experience was mediocre. Many people made the assumptions that I graduated with a high gpa, when I didn't! I made several mistakes that I had to learn on my own (plus I was working 2 jobs and was involved at my university). I came in thinking I wanted to go into the field of medicine or dentistry, but I didn't do well in my science classes, which brought down my gpa. I spent the last 2 years in undergrad working my butt off to bring my gpa up. I am currently in my master's program, and I am doing SO much better because I am in the RIGHT program and pursuing the career that God wanted me to be in! I've come across other masters and phd students and many of them are proving it to themselves, and or their parents. I say you should spend ample of time researching different graduate programs that you are interested in. My masters program is typically 2 years for a part-time student, but since I am full time, I am completing this degree in a year, which is possible (it's not easy, but I CAN DO IT!). I've learn so much more about myself in grad school. I learned that I am meant to be there (just like everyone else), I am finally in the right path of pursuing my career aspirations, and I am doing it for myself! There's nothing wrong with proving it to yourself because many people are, but are ashamed to admit it. You are capable of achieving anything, especially if the motivation is there. So do your research! Grad school is hard, but again, YOU ARE CAPABLE just like everyone else. Just make sure your motivation, the passion, and a good support system is there for you!
wow this video is so helpful. I didn’t know you could negotiate financial aid packages so thank you so much ❤️
Such important information...Thank you for this!!
You’re so welcome!
If you are Nigerian, then we are Neighbors. My family is from Benin, representing the Yoruba people here.
DEGREES ARE NOTHING WITHOUT MEANS.. IT ALL COMES DOWN TO DOLLARS AND CENTS.. THE REALITY OF LIFE. YOU HAVE THOUSANDS OF BRILLIANT GRADUATES WITH NO MEANS.
EZE THE GREAT
Exactly.
10/29/19
Wow! Your content is so full and helpful! Thanks!
Thanks so much!
Lord, I see what you have done for other people.🙏 Thank you for this video. I hope I will be able to complete my Social Work education debt-free. Thank You!
Assana Lloyd : I stand in agreement with you because I’m trying to get my Masters in Social Work. Lord, we put our trust in you 🙏🏿.
Amen!!!
Living On Purpose 🌻 I made a video in how I obtained my MSW free of charge.
Assana Lloyd hello! I’m a clinical social worker. I obtained my MSW free of charge. Check out my page to learn how.
Donzell Lampkins, MSW, LCSW 👀
I'm very inspired by your success. Thank you for sharing & Congrats!
Thanks for watching!
As an African idk how some undergraduates have over 100k worth of student loans, I am 3rd year and owe zero currently, hopefully I finish with zero.
Edgar Pithua how did you do that ?! Really need advise for my daughter
@@momiley6475 I got some scholarships that paid for like half of my tuition, and the other half I had to pay on my own, so I had to work a lot in the summer, and part time during the school year. Discipline is also important, I usually ate noodles or cooked something simple, ate out like once a month. I also don't spend money carelessly, and I make sure I save atleast $50 a month for emergencies. Basically, living within my means, I don't buy clothes, or shoes, or anything to show off. But now I got internship that pays better so my life has greatly improved, so for the first time in like 2 years I went shopping. But discipline is very important. Tell her to look at all possible scholarship opportunities.
God bless you for this. i agree everything must be in writing. Please also make a video about how to pay for your wedding without debt. Thank you!
oluwatobi thomas 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
You are very resourceful. Definitely something I aspire to. Thank you for the tips
Congratulations! Subscribed!
This is the best video on this topic! Thank you!
You’re welcome!
Just submitted my cohort sistas application! I definitely need help to get everything I want school wise this time around.
How did you get so brainy. How do you study when please help😭😭
Girl...this was almost me except I applied to medical school. 😅 That’s okay - I’m super happy/lucky. :D I am making it my mission to limit my loan to my first year of medical school and go loan-free in the last three years. The years between graduating college and getting into med school were rough, as my priorities weren’t straight so I missed out on a lot of opportunities. Oh, well. I’m on the right track now! 😃
You are incredible this is amazing. I’m so motivated now!
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
This video is extremely helpful!! I've decided to pursue a master's degree and I've always been thinking of how to pay for it. Thank you so much for helping me see beyond my "limit". The two folks that disliked this video must be extremely bitter.
Bitter folks always exist lol. Best of luck in your pursuit of the masters!
Thank you ❤️❤️❤️
Columbia only allow full time for law school so I won’t be applying anymore I need something that I can go part time as a mom and wife. So right now I’m focused on working to save more so eventually when the timing is right I can attend law school. I wouldn’t want to rush anything at the moment. I just don’t like the idea of going to school with huge debts 🤦🏽♀️
You go girl
Just subscribed and I needed this.
Parents paid. Phd after masters....first make sure you have phenomenal grades. Case closed. Years 3 to 5..did you not get columbia?? 3 sources. They are both smart.
Dang homie - you hustled!
First of all let me say I am so happy that you are married to a black man. I don't know why but it just makes my heart Happy. Secondly, the schedule that you were able to manage in the sacrifices that you surely had to make in order to make this happen, not to mention the strategy and negotiation skills are very admirable. I just want to point out that I'm willing to do all of those same things in order to get a PhD! The thing is I have ADHD and even listening to your schedule made my head spin. We can have all the willingness and the world but when our brains won't cooperate that is another issue. I find that it is not really talked about and the black space, and I have a channel devoted to doing just that but thank you for sharing your story. I am researching PHD programs now. Thank you for debunking the myth that Ivy League schools are expensive. I think that's something else they want black people to think so that they won't even try to apply to them. And I especially like the note about voting for the right people in office to reduce student loan debt. It is not the only issue on the table and it's hard to vote for someone who was going to make all your needs come true, but we can at least be informed. Thank you so much and I can't wait to delve into more of your content!
🙄
Great and lots of information. I appreciate it. I would love to hear how you got into Ivy league schools. Would my kids to get into the Ivy league schools and would want to know how to navigate that as a parent and what students need to know, have and do as well cuz I believe it is a collective effort. Thank you IJ.
I just want to live a debt_- free
You go girl!
Ughh I have a BA in Theology (VU University), BA in Psychology (Webster University) and MA in Cognitive Science (Columbia Univ), zero financial debt but now I want to get a PsyD in Clinical Psychology at Alliant but I'm a Dutch citizen and it is NOT easy. pfff
Impressive! Very inspiring!
I wasn't able to find a link about how you became a successful blogger. Can you please direct me. Thank you so much
Hi Lisa. Here is the link: www.ijeomakola.com/5-things-i-did-six-figure-blogger/
Such a great video! 😊
You found the cheat codes for college!!!!! Thank you!
Parents??
Hello my Naija sister, your video was very informative. I have a bachelor's degree in accounting and student loans of slightly over 50K. I have intentions of going for my master's degree at a reputable and accredited school. The particular school seems to offer grants and scholarships that they partner up with and may reject outside funding. This worries me a great deal. Any suggestion??? Thanks in advance.
@Ijeoma your blog "Reasons why you should not get a Phd" saved me from making a huge mistake... (deep down)it wasnt going to be for me...it was for my parents...my BS and MA will suffice but I am done..my parents better be grateful and brag with that lol
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 good for you!!
Great video! I don't have a master or PhD degree. The year that I did attend school I didn't have to pay for tuition.
I've never heard that it was possible to work on a PhD without earning your Master's first! Never, ever heard of that.
Happens in the US
Thank you so much! I am going back to school soon and this is so helpful.
Very useful info. Thanks.
Congrats young lady! My daughter has Harvard, Yale, Wellesley, and U Chicago all offering 75% It would have been 100% if our income was under 65k. She's going pre-med. It is easier than EVER right now to get into Ivy Leagues paid for if you are in the top 5% of your class.
Thank you so much for sharing this. Thank you
I intend applying to Columbia university for my masters degree. What would you advice?
I love you so much. I will follow your footsteps.
Parents helped you. . . Thanks a lot
College should be free!!!! I have an experience bc where I couldn't go to college b.c my mom wouldn't hand in her tax forms. I wasn't of "age" or active duty military or a mom to go without her forms. Smh. N e how I was wondering how this was possible did you get a full ride scholarship or join those sority/ fraternity groups? Y didn't you join them? Just wondering. I was so surprised you went to those private schools n r debt free. However I would've go either way.
We no Dey carry last all my love ❤️💕
Such a great video
Congratulations 🎈🍾🎉🎊
Thank you for sharing 🙏🏽
I salute you Dr.
Hi! Thanks so much for your videos. They are super helpful. I will be starting my Graduate degree at Cornell in the fall and I was wondering whether you think negotiating over the phone or an email is best? Also, would you recommend negotiating with my department or the overarching graduate school administration?
You are badass, lady. Fkn awesome job and great video.
You are so beautiful and blessed. I pray you have much success.
Nne! proud of your achievements. Do you speak igbo? new subscriber.
Daalu! M na su Igbo intakiri
@@IjeomaKolaYT chukwu gozie gi na ezi na ulo gi.
what is your advice? I'm from Africa living in PA . A school had accepted me to do my Master. I have no idea of funding school in the US . I 'M thinking of taking Fed student loan but I don't want to complete the program with a huge debt. what is your advice?
Hello, I wish I had this information years ago when I was working on my bachelor's degree. All I had to do was finish 3 or 4 courses to get my bachelor's degree, but that didn't happen because my financial aid ran out. I was crushed because I had been working sooo hard the previous 6 years on my education. I have zero family support and therefore, I had no one that could cosign a loan for me to finish my last semester. I am a single mom of 3 kids and I'm Puerto Rican. I want to know if there is anything that I can do to finish my bachelor's degree? After I finish my bachelor's degree I will get more financial aid towards a master's degree. I would appreciate it if you can lean me in the right direction. Thank you.
@John KING Waow thank you so much for this advice. I will look into all of the suggestions you mentioned. Thank you again.
@John KING Wow, talk about making sacrifices to get what you want. I will definitely remember your story. Thank you for sharing that. I'm starting to have hope again. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
I won't pay my student loans, I will leave the United States.
looool
HMMMM
@@iza595
I'm being serious.
@@jesusislord3668
I'm being serious.
Well done on your success great video...
Question: my daughter is going back to college to get her second bachelor's degree to become RN, she already exhausted FASFA from her first degree, I am trying to find a way for her to get help to keep on with the RN she is currently enrolled in, she has fantastic grades (always did very well in all her schooling, amen) can you direct a path or paths? I dont need her stressed out about money, she does work three jobs right now. Any advice would be great. Thank you in advance.
I have a quick question. When do I have to request funding is it after you get admitted and you are in the program or before that. Thanks
Yousuf Munye before. My son is in his first semester in college and we applied before he started.
@@Missmaam111 thanks for the quick response but what I'm referring is graduate level or master to PhD funding.
Yousuf Munye oooo girl!! I’m sorry!!! 😘
Once you receive an admission letter you’ll likely receive info about funding/financial aid - it would be premature to request funding before you receive admission, but while you’re investigating programs you can also ask them about funding options
@@IjeomaKolaYT Thank you. Appreciated.