"VGSTX appears to be a safe, cheap, strong performer which will preserve some of my money. "

Re:   A Int'l Index Fund that Lost -51% by end of 02'?  and safe?  I don't think so..

And assuming you Grad. and Get a Decent Paying Job with a #401k? Keep what $ you have now in a MMkt or a FFRHX..Pay Dwn/off college loans, get a decent car and then a Condo/Loft/ Twnhome/ House  My last one bought for $57k and in 16 yrs, sold for $300k and was paid for after 15 yrs..That's only about +425% and of course Tax Free, not tax deferred. thus a $300k Now = $1.575 Million in another 16 yrs  and  then upgrade to a $3 million place and in another 16 yrs = $15 Mil...

The Potential sure beats those Other Funds, now doesn't it?

But, of course, look at all the taxes you'll have to pay whe you sell that $15 M place and maybe the first $5 mi is Tax Free by then..Leaving $10 Mil is taxable? maybe Net $6 mil and thus have only about $11 mi?

Nah, On 2nd thought , not worth it..

You got Decades ahead, so why not Go for CGMFX, CGMRX, FAIRX,FLVCX..?

My IRA has these funds in them for yrs and doing a bang up job..and even YTD.

Of course, Past Performance may not reflect Future and they may do better..