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On Your Mark, Get Set…. GO!!!. You’ve been planning your future for years . Now it’s time to put those plans into action… . You will have a busy year…. Getting into and financing your college education takes a LOT of paperwork!. You may be wondering.
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You’ve been planning your future for years Now it’s time to put those plans into action…
You will have a busy year… Getting into and financing your college education takes a LOT of paperwork!
You may be wondering • What kind of money can I get for college? • How do I apply? • Why do the applications ask so many questions? • Where do I access money for college? • When do I begin?
Begin by Getting Organized! Create a College application organizer to know your deadlines! Senior year, keep copies of any applications you complete, including financial aid and scholarship. (Copy your tax forms, too)
Right now you can… Make a list of your activities and honors since the 9th grade. This will prepare you for admission applications and scholarship applications.
Collect information on colleges April 27, 2003 Cleveland National College Fair CSU Convocation Center 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Visit campuses… College Opportunities Online links to over 9,000 colleges www.nces.ed.gov Visit college campuses…include a trip to the financial aid office
How Do I get College $? • Read their viewbooks! • Is a separate application required from the admission app? • Are their “competition” or “testing” opportunities? • Know the deadlines!!!
Things to do before graduation… Take the ACT or SAT test. Get it out of the way. Leave time to better your score next year. A higher score may mean more $$.
Applying for Financial Aid You cannot apply for financial aid until after January 1, 2004 The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the application for federal and state financial aid.
FAFSA • The FAFSA asks income and asset information to determine eligibility for the financial aid programs • The college determines their deadline for the FAFSA
Financial Aid Pie Most financial aid comes from the federal government
Financial Aidis… • Grants • Scholarships • Loans • Work Study
Financial Aid is not… • The sole method of financing the cost of education. • Students and parents are the primary source of funds for post-secondary education and are expected to contribute to the extent that they are able.
Let’s talk about the 1%(Outside scholarships) • Best place to find one…high school guidance • Many are not merit based, look at activities, service, talent or skills • Check with local organizations, workplace • Internet search for national scholarships
Try these sites to start a search www.leaf-ohio.org www.fastweb.com www.fastaid.com www.wiredscholar.com
Beware of Scams! • Fees for applications • “You have been selected..” • 1-800 numbers • Never give out your credit card # • Guaranteed winnings • Excessive hype • Masquerading as a Federal agency
LEAF can help… . See Mrs. Alison McBrady, LEAF Advisor Tuesday or Thursday at Kenston High School Call LEAF Resource Center at 440-942-5323
LEAF can help… Waivers for college admission applications and ACT/SAT test to eligible students Assistance with the financial aid applications Help in searching for scholarships Explain college costs and financial aid award letters Offer a LEAF Last Dollar Grant for eligible students Parent informational sessions this spring and next fall at LEAF Resource Center
Tips to finish the process… Don’t miss DEADLINES! College applications Financial aid applications Scholarship applications Award letter response