How Int'l Student Daniel, Graduated Debt-Free From College!
Daniel Posmik of the University of Cincinnati
Daniel Posmik recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics & Data Analytics from the University of Cincinnati.
“So keep in mind, all the money that I had to pay had to come out of pocket from me, with no loans.”
1.US-Bound With Sports Scholarship
As a high schooler in Germany, Daniel cared only about Sports. Specifically, American Football!
He wanted to go to a US college to play football.
When he was 15, he came to the US as an exchange student. That experience in the US convinced him that he wanted to go to college in the US.
Daniel got a full ride Sports Scholarship to a US college.
Unfortunately, once he arrived here, Daniel hated it!
2.The Dilemma
So, Daniel had a decision to make: Give up and go back to Germany, or find another college.
He wanted to study in the US, but his family didn’t have the kind of funds to pursue a US College education, without a Scholarship.
He applied to University of Cincinnati Blue Ash.
It so happened, that since he had been an exchange student in that area, he had applied for the UC Academic Scholarship.
That scholarship was still available, if he wanted to attend Blue Ash! It wasn't a Full Ride like the Sports Scholarship, but it was a generous.
3.UC Blue Ash
Daniel jumped at the opportunity to study at Blue Ash with that scholarship.
He was lucky to be able to move in with his host family from the Exchange Student days. They let him stay rent-free, for the first year.
Despite that, being able to make ends meet was really, really tough. But managed.
His Football bug slowly waned, and he started to get really interested in academic research, which started to open up new educational and financial avenues for him.
4.UC 4-year Program
Daniel transferred to the 4-year program at UC Uptown Campus.
His challenge during the transition phase was about identifying financial support opportunities, as the fees were twice what he had to pay at UC Blue Ash.
Daniel put together a patchwork of scholarships to cover his expenses.
By being a Resident Advisor, which took care of room and board;
He also received a bunch of fellowships that were just tied to academic performance and research interests;
20% of the time, he was nominated by a Faculty member or just notified via email “Hey, here's a scholarship”. Daniel, says jokingly, he would say, “okay!”;
Lastly, he received the Presidential Leadership Medal in his senior year.
In the end, Daniel was able to graduate debt-free from U of Cincinnati!
5.Daniel’s Advice for Int’l Students
Daniel has some pointers for International Students from modest financial backgrounds.
Explore - There are so many “little nooks and crevices and corners” to look for opportunities:
Taking a job outside of school,
Fellowships & Scholarships - aggressively researching & pursuing them, and
Being creative about room and board, to help manage expenses.
Open Mind - Don’t limit yourself - without researching or trying out an opportunity.
Work Hard To Increase Your Odds - Don't spend the majority of your time worrying about what might transpire, instead prepare yourself.
Figure what you can do to significantly increase your chances of getting Fellowships and Scholarships.
Be strategic and make a plan.
6.On with the Podcast
Daniel joins us on our podcast to share his UG Experience as an International Student, At UC Blue Ash, and then the 4-year UC program, UG Research in Financial Aid, The Scholarships, and Advice for High Schoolers.
Listen to Daniel Posmik of University of Cincinnati On his Undergraduate Experience. (34-Minute Listen).
Let me know what you think of Daniel’s story.
Have a Great Week!
Venkat