Pretty self explanatory.
I haven't checked it but know it's bad due to my high balances and and a handful of late payments this past year. I've been denied left and right for stuff, including for my student loan next semester and it's my last semester to top it off. Everything was so dandy less than 2yrs ago!

What is the best way to rebuild it? The sooner the better of course, yet I feel it'll be a slow process.

pay every bill and pay them on time, even it's just the minimum due...after a year, things won't be perfect but in 3 years they will...some things stay with your for 7 years...

EmeraldCity said:

Stop applying for stuff. Some companies look at inquiries as a bad thing.

Look into having your bills consolidated

I know someone who went with Genesis financial management a few years ago and they will be debt free by the middle of next year

Stymie said:

I know but I just wanna finish school.

the EASIEST way is to just steal someones identity.

jerseykrs said:

That explains why all the guys call you Sally.

Keep your oldest credit card active. They'll check to see how old your oldest account is.
[Edited 12/22/06 16:02pm]

Imago said:

Oh no, that's not why.

Sorry about your situation EmeraldCity. I don't really think there is much you can do except go for financial counseling which will probably lead to a consolidation loan. If you're in over your head, don't try to go it alone or even worse, avoid it all. Go get some help...it's out there.

CLOSE whatever non-essential cards you have.
Better that YOU close them than to have the credit card company cancel it!
Also - if you have too much credit it could be bad (possible debt).

I did credit counseling years ago, it really helped get the finance charges down

EmeraldCity said:

The best way is to not let it get bad, but...

Pay Every bill plus 20% of the required payment.

Get a check your credit, the government requires the 3 agencies to alow for one free check of your credit record a year. Print it up, and go through the list. Challenge anything that doesn't look right, and/or that's been long. Correct the errors, and find some way to work out the disputes posted by creditors.

Pay off and close what accouts you can.

CalhounSg sudgests credit counseling, and I'd have to say that sounds like a really good idea for you to do.

You credit must really be in the shitter if you were turned down for a student loan.