How to Pay for Grad School Without Financial Support | AVOID THESE 5 FUNDING MISTAKES for PhD Degree

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How to Pay for Grad School Without Financial Support!?
A discussion about student loans, student jobs, grants and the BIGGEST MISTAKES I made when trying to fund my PhD and understand my funding packages!
Hello Everyone! When I got accepted into UCLA, I was BEYOND excited. I didn’t know anyone with an advanced degree, but I knew I wanted one. As a result, I was over zealous and didn’t really think about what I should consider when thinking about funding my graduate program. I was so unaware of just how graduate financial support works and where it comes from. I made a lot of decisions that impacted my PhD funding and financial aid, some for the better but many for the worse. I wanted to make a video that really discussed how to fund a PhD, what are the MOST important things to consider when negotiating a funding package, and ways to prepare to help others like me who are completely unaware of what is the BEST way to pay for grad school. This video was years in the making, because all of these grad mistakes didn’t happen overnight! I learned from my many many financial decisions as a grad student and now I can talk about how I was able to afford my doctoral program, and how you can prepare to afford grad school!
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS:
0:00 Intro & Video Overview
1:30 Mistake #1 - Understanding Funding Packages
4:20 Mistake #2 - Advocate for Financial Needs
7:32 Mistake #3 - Overworking Myself
8:47 Mistake #4 - Student Loans
10:27 Mistake #5 - Diversifying Funding Sources
Please leave comments of questions or ideas you have to share!
OTHER VIDEOS TO CONSIDER:
○ How to get into ANY Grad School at UCLA | Grad Admissions and How to Be a Competitive Applicant - • How to get into ANY Gr...
○ How To Pick the PERFECT Grad Program For You | Most IMPORTANT Considerations for Graduate Programs - • Most IMPORTANT Conside...
○ How do PhD Programs Work? Timeline, Workload, and Stages of PhD | US Humanities PhD Program Process - • How do PhD Programs Wo...
UPCOMING VIDEOS:
○ Prepare to Pay for Grad Schools | How to look for Grants
○ How I got a TA-ship Before Even Stepping on Campus
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I made this channel to help people like me. People who don't know anyone with a doctorate degree or anything about higher education, but I knew I wanted to get a PhD. I knew I wanted to be a doctor! With your support we can work together to create a resource to demystify graduate school and encourage more underrepresented people to thrive in doctoral programs!
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[@BrisaMarie]

Thank you so much for watching! I know for a lot of us finances and talking about our mistakes can feel very taboo and uncomfortable! But they don't have to be this way! For more grad funding information check out my playlist on Grad Funding! - kzbin.info/aero/PLY-K7nK2wQ2W_vndUK2C-ZaIB2j4boUV4

[@jessicamarquez922]

I love how you said that not being financially secure affects you emotional and just affects different parts of your life in general.

[@BrisaMarie]

Yes!! I had to learn the hard way just how much financial instability can be distracting, exhausting, and really really upsetting... and i still had a lot of privilege and family support. So i feel it is just important to be transparent about that !! Bcuz it can/ will effect us all differently and it's all a valid reason to advocate for yourself! Okay that was a little tangential but thank you so much for commenting!!+

[@jessicamarquez922]

@@BrisaMarie thank you so much for responding! Yeah I’m happy I came across your page. I remember being in undergrad and still not having DACA I didn’t know how I was going to pay for school and feeling stressed out about money. I felt the same way as you like at least I got “accepted”. Looking forward to more videos from you!

[@BrisaMarie]

Of course!!!! Grad school is hard especially when you are a part of a targeted and historically excluded community!! If you have video suggestions please let me know!!!!

[@joiemcgrath7361]

You’re out here changing peoples lives by sharing your experience. Thanks you a million times over.

[@BrisaMarie]

Thank you so SO SO MUCH!! Joie! I really hope that my content helps people and your comment just gave me so much more hope!!! Thank you!

[@yoshidownload]

Ty for the info

[@BrisaMarie]

No problem! Thank you so much for commenting!!

[@isaacj9799]

Thanks for sharing this. I am a first-gen college student and currently working on a two-year master's program. Funding has been such an experience to understand and this helped!

[@BrisaMarie]

I am so happy that this video was helpful!!! Also congrats on your pursuing a masters that's is a huge accomplishment!!! I really appreciate your comment and please let me know if you have any questions!!

[@NaptuRo90]

Well said ma’am ❤😊 Thank you

[@BrisaMarie]

Thank you so so much!!!!!!

[@LLCoolBeans86]

I truly appreciate you for this video and especially your encouragement at 6:06! Thank you! God bless you!

[@BrisaMarie]

Of course!!! Im so happy that you found video helpful!! Thank you!💙

[@NiaAnissa]

I love this!!

[@BrisaMarie]

Thank you so much!!

[@jessiccaangelov5517]

Thank you for sharing. Love your demeanor and the info you share!

[@BrisaMarie]

This makes me so happy! Thank you for leaving such a positive comment! Please let me know if you have any questions!

[@mariatrifonova7715]

Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@BrisaMarie]

Of course! Thank you for commenting!!!

[@CECILIAMORGAN]

This is an amazing video of advice. Thank you so so much for this help!!!!

[@BrisaMarie]

Oh my goodness!! Of course!!!!! Thank you so much for commenting something so positive!

[@thaxtonwaters8561]

Wow!!!! Thanks you sooooo much for this video, I'm 41 years old and going back to Grad school because the offer was too good but I knew absolutely NOTHING else. I didn't even know what to ask for and felt a little guilty that I was so un-knowledgeable. Time for another conversation with the University.

[@BrisaMarie]

Its impossible to know what you don't know... until you know it. I totally can understand those feelings! Hopefully my videos can help some more too ... I have an entire playlist on my funding journey if that interests you! kzbin.info/aero/PLY-K7nK2wQ2W_vndUK2C-ZaIB2j4boUV4

[@kelsiecellistswimmerpianis1790]

Thank you Brisa for sharing.

[@BrisaMarie]

Of course! Thank you for commenting!!

[@NerdKing9826]

Thank you for sharing your experience! You're making a difference

[@BrisaMarie]

Of course!!! thank you so much for being sooo encouraging! I really appreciate you!

[@justindelrosario8526]

Thank you so so so much! Your video gave me more confidence as I'm applying for grad school.

[@BrisaMarie]

I am so happy that it gave you confidence! It is really really hard to know what your are getting into, but I promise you definitely can do it!

[@deyvismejia7529]

Wow way to go and open my mind in this video. Good luck in your PhD journey!

[@BrisaMarie]

Oh my goodness!!! Thank you so much!! Good luck to you too!!

[@leaoipd5308]

Thank you so much for this video! It was so helpful and as a fellow phd student and also first gen grad student the information you have presented is to important! I have a similar story of two rounds of applications and not knowing how to navigate the process ! This was so helpful.

[@BrisaMarie]

I am so happy that it was helpful!! There is always so much to the PhD process and no where to really figure it out!! lol I am glad that you found some value in this video! Thank you for your comment!

[@jaidowens9779]

Thank you so much for sharing your story! The tip to look for outside grant agencies is incredible. Love the content.

[@BrisaMarie]

Of course!!! Thank you so much for your comment!!!

[@ohjohnushouldnthave]

Wow, thank you so much. As a first generation student, this was very informative

[@BrisaMarie]

I'm so happy this was informative! Please let me know if you have any other questions! Thank you so much for commenting!!

[@molycules]

Your videos are so so informative, thank you for putting them together and sharing what you know!

[@BrisaMarie]

Thank you so much! I am glad you find them helpful!! I am currently working on the reading tips, but I am also simultaneous preparing for my exams, so it is taking me a while to write the script!! But I will hopefully have it come out early May!! Please let me know if you have any other questions OR if you have friends that have any questions! Thank you again for commenting and watching! I really appreciate it!

[@molycules]

@@BrisaMarie!

[@erickpurpose]

Yes!

[@BrisaMarie]

Lol thanks

[@QueenDiva]

I totally feel you on these points! I am working on my second masters degree at USC. I rushed into this Communication Management program because I was disappointed that I did not get into a doctoral program at Columbia University, and I felt I needed to get accepted somewhere. But I did not think through the finance aspect or academic program curriculum. It is so much more expensive than I expected. I'm taking an online course, so there isn't any research or graduate assistance from my department. I took a year off, but I still have to pay the remaining balance of $7,500 before I can start a new semester, and I took out a $20,000 government loan. Now, I am scrambling to find as many grants, scholarships, and fellowships that may possibly be available. I am so happy to find your videos. Please keep posting you are a Godsend. I just found you last week. Lol! I'm playing catch up on your previous videos!

[@BrisaMarie]

I am sad that you had to go through the same type of thing as me... but I am also happy that we got each other and that I know we are gonna find a way!!! Please let me know how I can help or if you have ANY questions! We got this!

[@sofiacnm]

This was very valuable and I really appreciate your content.I am so scared to finally go to grad school and I’m getting an MBA that I know will help my earning potential but I thought I would need to pay for all of this with loans and that’s $72k per year. Luckily I did get a grad package and got a scholarship through my school so it’s not 92K per year. But this has inspired me to self advocate and to apply to all the grants and scholarships I can. I thought too my only option is to hustle and work while going to school which has also worried me a lot because I have been struggling with burnout and adrenal fatigue and don’t want to put myself in the hospital. This gives me hope- thank you

[@BrisaMarie]

First congrats on getting into a MBA program and earning funding! THAT IS HUGE! HUGE!!!! Second I am so happy that these videos have helped you feel empowered to find a system that is healthy and sustainable for you! Your health and wellness is literally the most important thing and it is AMAZING that you are already planning ahead to take care of yourself! You are so wonderful!!!!! Congrats again and thank you for commenting! I really appreciate you !

[@timfewless971]

I have been working sooooo many hours before I move next month to stock up money. It is also giving me a chance to watch your videos and prepare! I do have an assistantship and will continue to work on the side but money is still stretched!

[@BrisaMarie]

Yes! I totally can relate! Though it is AMAZING that you preparing sooo early that shows just how dedicated you are! You totally got this! I would love to hear more about your assistant ship and how it all goes! please keep me updated!

[@tamaralaird3389]

I had no idea that the university pays for your degree I am going to an MBA currently, but this says a lot. Thank you for this video.

[@BrisaMarie]

OF course! Also if you are unfamilar there are also scholarships for MBAs when I applied to MBA school (i got rejected from the school but actually won a scholarship lol). There is the consortium scholarship for MBAs and FORTE i think also has some scholarships. Not that your asked, but just in case it is helpful!

[@hyunminpiano03]

hey Brisa Marie!! I'm in the same situation you were in.. got into my dream school, and it ended up being the offer that I can realistically consider. I also am not happy with the funding package that came with the admission but were feeling hesitant to reach out to the finance office of the school I am accepted to. After watching this vid my confidence level went up by at least 50% to at least write to them to see if I can appeal my current package to get more funding.......... THANKS SO MUCH!

[@BrisaMarie]

First congrats on your acceptance! Thats amazing!!! Funding is always an unsure territory because schools and workplaces make talking about money taboo! Definitely reaching out and askin for more is a great first step! Talking with the chair of your department and program will also be helpful! Also even if they can't offer you anything more now, that doesnt mean more funds won't appear later on or throughout the year which was the case for me. So always keep trying! Also looking for external or independent funding sources are a great way to support yourself and be proactive! I have a video that talks about strategies to find these funding sources which might be helpful! So i linked it here! Good luck!!!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXuXkH1umcuNZ5o

[@shreya5301]

I'm applying for PhD programs in English (first-gen to go to grad program in the US) and I had no idea funding packages were negotiable! Thank you for your help.

[@BrisaMarie]

Yes! A lot of times schools try not to discuss it, but there is always an option to ask for more. Now they may not always be able to give you EVERYTHING you need, but often they can find a little more money here or there lol! When all else fails being proactive is always the best strategy!! lol I am so happy that this video was helpful for you! Thank YOU so much!

[@jhamdan2012]

Jesus Brisa, you don't forget mentioning the tiny detail of these dilemmas. Your videos are the best in terms of reflecting the reality and what awaits PhD students when making irrational deciosions. Your videos are so real and like panacia to students facing problems in making decisions on their study plans.

[@BrisaMarie]

I was not prepared to read such an affirming and kind comment! Thank you so much for taking time to be so encouraging. I am so happy these videos are useful!

[@DAnnYettieGospelMinister]

Thanks for this. Sending love from Jamaica. I'm headed to school upstate NY

[@BrisaMarie]

Thank you!!!! And congrats !!!!!!!!!!! Im sending love to upstate ny just for you!!

[@DAnnYettieGospelMinister]

@@BrisaMarie thank you!❤

[@BrisaMarie]

Thank you!!

[@suem7500]

This was a very helpful and practical video. I've just been accepted as an international Master's student and it's difficult to navigate. Have you done any videos on how to reduce costs elsewhere e.g. childcare, health insurance etc

[@BrisaMarie]

Hi! Thanks for commenting and Congrats on your acceptance!!! I have not... but I will be coming out with an advice vidéo in the next two months and that video will be directly targeted to international students. ... I can try and think about making a video based off your suggestions... do you have any specific questions?

[@inapicklenow8866]

Hello I’m interested in going to graduate school but the main thing stopping me is money. These videos are helping thank you!

[@BrisaMarie]

Yes! Money is such a barrier and can be really intimidating. I'm really happy that you have found my video useful!! I have an entire playlist dedicated to funding because it was such a big part of my grad experience! Feel free to check it out. Maybe it'll help some more :) Thank you so much for commenting Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLY-K7nK2wQ2W_vndUK2C-ZaIB2j4boUV4

[@ejikemeonuoha3272]

Thanks doc. This program is helpful. Can an interactional grad student survive on stipend with his family of 5 in US?

[@BrisaMarie]

Hi! If I am being honest... that is a really hard question and I would have to say I don't know. Lifestyle, location, family needs and so much more go into that answer and I just don't have enough info to really say anything help.. I do have this video where I show my salary which may be helpful... which may not? But I will share it with you just in case kzbin.info/www/bejne/hni8cn6sjs6Ffassi=WO-QI5oiXIe7AzbH

[@eileenperalta3134]

Please make the federal loan video!

[@BrisaMarie]

lol Okay!! I will start working on it. I will try to get it out by April ish!

[@justindelrosario8526]

Would you be able to make a video about (federal) loans? I would honestly appreciate that!

[@BrisaMarie]

Yeah! of course! Also Universities like UCLA have financial programs... UCLA's is called the Financial Wellness Program and they have trained advisors that you can set up one-on-one appoitnments to discuss the ins-outs of the loans, bruinbll, and even investing lol I would give them a look too! www.financialwellness.ucla.edu/

[@BrisaMarie]

Hi!!! I just finished recording the video on Federal Loans!! It should be ready to go live in the next 2 weeks!!! Thank you for the suggestion!

[@BlastFromYesterday]

As I start looking at master's programs, I had the same thought as you - the funding has to come from the department or university. Outside scholarships or grants add another factor in the whole process that is already a lot to track. I guess I don't have to worry about them for the time being, and only *after* being accepted, though.

[@BrisaMarie]

Hi again! So I suggest if you can, yo worry about it sooner than later. Grants are also on a yearly cycle and most are due around the same time as grad apps. So if you need money for your first year os very unlikely to find grants the same year your até accepted (unlikely does not mean impossible, it is still a possibility só never give up) .... but if it seems too overwhelming and you're ok with your first year finances then I don't think waiting until after you get accepted is bad at all!!! It's all about you and what works for you!

[@BlastFromYesterday]

@@BrisaMarie I appreciate the insight!

[@BrisaMarie]

Of course+!! I appreciate your comment and thoughtfull questions!!! 💙

[@arriana5425]

This was so helpful, thanks!

[@BrisaMarie]

I'm so happy it was helpful! Thank you so much for watching! Please let me know if you have any questions or ideas that you'd like to hear more about!?

[@arriana5425]

​@@BrisaMarie I'm actually curious how similar or different getting funding is for a Master's program!

[@BrisaMarie]

@@arriana5425 In the humanities they are very different. There are just a lot more funding opportunities for doctoral programs. For Master's programs many of the grants will be focus on specific populations (i.e. race, ability status, regional location, etc.) or specific research focus (i.e. immigrant education access in NM) ... That doesn't mean there aren't ANY more general grants they are just not as available. Both programs most likely will include fellowships and grants that are specific to students at the university they are entering, but because almost everyone who is accepted to attend is a candidate to be considered for these grants they are quite competitive. Also in both I think it is MUCH MUCH easier to start getting grants once you are accepting in the program because you start to learn more about how to speak about your research and you have faculty/advisers as a support system for when you apply. However, because Master's programs are so short often times its difficult to reapply which may impact your award rate, where a PhD you usually have 5 years to try, try, and try again lol ... But getting grants for both programs are definitely possible, you just have to be diligent, persistent and BELIEVE! lol

[@BrisaMarie]

I hope that was helpful! Thank you for asking!

[@arriana5425]

@@BrisaMarie Yes! This was very helpful thank you for taking the time to answer!

[@brieaaliyah4141]

Gosh, I'm a Black first gen PhD student who accepted an offer at UC Irvine (culture and theory) with funding but I didn't know I could negotiate and I was feeling guilty for asking for more but I received additional crumbs and like you said I had no idea and thought that would help. And now I'm stressed about how to get from Alabama to California since the school doesn't provide adequate housing in OC. I'm glad I found your channel. And now I have to take out student loans to supplement housing and summer once again. T_T Thanks for mentioning adjuncting as an option for additional money.

[@BrisaMarie]

Yes! It's so tough bcuz you don't know what you don't know. But i will say, if you petition for residency for next year then it can/ does help make many more things more affordable! I'm sorry that you've had a tough beginning but it has gotten better for me and so there is hope!! Please let me know if you have any questions!! Also im really cool with Mariel who is in your cohort, lol so you're family by extension lol 💙

[@brieaaliyah4141]

@@BrisaMarie oh my god!!! Small world! And yeah! Can’t wait to get to know her more!

[@BrisaMarie]

Very small world!!! And she's amazing!!

[@lime9227]

I have funding for three years for PhD. Can i ask the department for living expense as well?

[@BrisaMarie]

Of course!! Now they may not grant it or offer you a TAship but it never hurts to ask!!!! Also congrats on the funding you did earn! That's great

[@ytc858]

Federal Loans

[@intuitor9971]

Hey Brisa, thank you for this wonderful content. I received an acceptance from UNM, but they haven't provided any funding. They offered me the Amigo Scholarship, which is a non-cash tuition reduction scholarship. As an international student, I believe paying tuition along with living expenses is not affordable for me. Please help me out of this situation.

[@BrisaMarie]

Hi! Thank you for taking the time out to comment! Grad school in the US is particularly difficult for international students because schools are try their hardest to get money from anywhere they can and out of state and international students are a big souce of that money. So your expriences is really help to show people what it might look like in real time, so thank you for commenting! I don't know how helpful I Can be in your specific situtation but I do have three videos that might be some help! First video - What To Do If You Have No Grad Funding!? Strategies to Pay for Your PhD Program! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKfIg3iZittkn8U Second video - Funding Questions You Need To Ask BEFORE Accepting Grad School Offer kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmrOqp5jhd5reNU (Even if you have accepted funding, these questions can still help you negotiate or figure out what resources are available!) I also have a funding playlist that could be helpful ( kzbin.info/aero/PLY-K7nK2wQ2W_vndUK2C-ZaIB2j4boUV4 ) I really hope this helps!

[@intuitor9971]

@@BrisaMarie Thank you for your reply. I want to update that I got full funding, including tuition fee waiver, Helth insurance and stipend.

[@BrisaMarie]

@intuitor9971 That is AMAZING!!! CONGRATS!!!!!!! YOU DESERVE ALL OF IT!!!! Thank you so much for sharing! I am sooo happy for you!

[@evathetraveler]

I am an international student, from and in Brazil and just got accepted for the master in Philosophy at Uni of Toledo, before applying they alerted me they didnt know how many students theyd be able to fund and sure enough I am not one of them. It is like such great news followed by awful ones.anyone with any solution for my case?

[@BrisaMarie]

Hi! I am so sorry this happened to you! I know that can feel really bitter sweet! I can totally relate I do have a video that talks about negotiating and how to ask for more funding! Hopefully this can guide you to try some other things! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKfIg3iZittkn8U If not feel free to come back and ask any questions that you have! Good luck!

[@evathetraveler]

@@BrisaMarie thank you. Colorado Boulder accepted me too for a master but again no funding. I knew that master would be harder to get funding, but I didnt quite feel ready for a PHD. we´ll see what´s in store for me. I did apply for 1 PHD and am waiting the result. I am so anxious. thank you. I have seen lots of your videos. since I started my applications.

[@BrisaMarie]

I wish you the best!!! Se você tem alguma dúvida, me avise!

[@evathetraveler]

@@BrisaMarie you speak Portuguese? awesome.

[@BrisaMarie]

Yes! I stayed in SP for 4 months last year :) Brazil is part of my research :)

[@aungthuhein007]

Can an international student take on federal loans?

[@BrisaMarie]

Hi! Unfortunately no they cannot! I do have a video that talks more about frequently asked questions about grad funding that talks a little bit about international students if that might be helpful! Funding FAQ here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKjRgKyDl7aNpNU but generally international students either work, get grants, or get loans from their home country. Hope this helps!