How to Apply for Financial Aid
Most potential students qualify for some type of financial aid but have no clue where to begin. The first step is easy—start your search early and apply! Failing to apply is a mistake made by about 25% of undergraduates. You will never know how much aid is at your disposal if you don’t take the initiative to find it.
Obtain Federal Student Aid PIN
You will need this PIN to sign your electronic application for federal student aid or to access your federal student aid records online. Go to www.pin.ed.gov to apply for your Federal Student Aid PIN.
Gather Information
In order to save time and minimize frustrations, collect and organize all of the documents and information that you will need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) before begin the application.
Complete the FAFSA
Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and read the instructions for completing the FAFSA. Make sure you understand the important terms and the process before beginning the application. Once you receive your Student Aid Report (SAR), be sure to check it for errors. Your financial aid office will need this report to determine aid eligibility; however, it is recommended that you visit the aid office as soon as you decide on a school to determine what aid might be available to you.
Visit Financial Aid Office
Go by the financial aid office at your school (or at a nearby campus if you have not yet chosen a school) to find out what additional scholarships are available through the college. These may include departmental scholarships, athletic scholarships, or student organization scholarships.
Search the Internet
Research the internet for scholarship opportunities. While internet resources can make searching for aid much quicker, beware of financial aid scams, which are most commonly found on the internet.
Research Opportunities in Your Community
Remember, local businesses and organizations love to see the community succeed. Many offer scholarships, albeit small, as a way to support the community that supports their business. Contact the businesses, civic clubs, religious organizations, and other associations to inquire about scholarship opportunities. Be assertive—if a scholarship fund is not currently in place, ask if they would consider starting one. You will find that most are not opposed to the idea—they just haven’t given it much thought.
