The Financial Aid process is about planning ahead and meeting ALL DEADLINES. If you think you will need financial aid during college you should make sure you are requesting and reading all materials from colleges regarding financial aid policies and procedures. Missing forms and deadlines can be costly.
Forms to be Completed:
1.FAFSA (required by all institutions)
(Free Application for Student Aid)
2.CSS Profile (required by some private institutions)
(College Scholarship Service)
Note that you will be using the same username and password that you used to register for the SAT
3. Institutional Forms (contact the institution)
Quick Tips:
1. Make sure your final college list includes a "financially" safe school. For many students this could be a state university.
2. Watch out for scholarships scams - If you need to pay a fee, stay away!
3. Build solid relationships with financial aid officers at one or two of the schools were you intend to apply. When visiting a college you are encouraged to make an appointment to meet with a Financial Aid Officer. Summer and fall are usually the best time to "bend an ear".
4. Check out merit-based aid.
5. Check out scholarship possibilities from employers.
Frequently asked Questions
Tips for Filling out the FAFSA
