When I start up my Macbook Pro, I get a grey screen and a flashing folder icon. What does it mean and how do I fix it?

Help. I don't know what to do. I need this computer for college courses.

Hi PrinceCobra925,
Welcome to Apple Support Communities.
It sounds like there is an issue starting your Mac, it's booting up to a gray screen with a folder that has a flashing question mark on it. The article linked below provides a lot of great troubleshooting tips that will resolve most issues like the one you described.
Mac OS X: Gray screen appears during startup
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570
I hope this helps.
-Jason

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