Understanding College Funding and Financial Aid Polk State College Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School Guidance Department

Financial Aid Options Federal Grants (FAFSA) Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Florida Pre-Paid Program Family College Funds/Savings Private Grants/Scholarships Parent or student employer benefits/tuition reimbursement, corporations, small businesses, churches, private organizations, community service organizations, etc. College Work Study Programs Student Loans Last resort funding – MUST BE PAID BACK! Check out Loan forgiveness programs for critical-need career options.

What is it? Government-funded financial help for eligible students to pay for post-secondary educational expenses. Types? Pell Grant – Does not have to be paid back Work study – On-campus jobs Student Loans – Low interest, extended pay-back period Who should apply? Everyone, with very few exceptions.

What do I need to Apply? Student and parent Social Security numbers U.S. Citizen ID or Alien Registration Federal income tax return information for prior year Income estimation allowed in some cases Other income information Basic demographic information

FAFSA: Will I get money? Pell grants are given based on need. Low interest student loans can be obtained by almost any student regardless of income. Last resort funding option Parents are financially responsible for students regardless of current situation in most cases. Parents tax and income information must be submitted Financial aid officials at the college that you plan to attend can help in extreme circumstances Most colleges and universities require students to submit a FAFSA form to qualify for any type of scholarships or other financial aid regardless of income.

FAFSA: What expenses are covered if I get aid? Tuition – paid to the school first. Room, Board, & Books – usually paid to school after tuition is covered. Disbursement Funds (if any) – leftover funds used for living and other expenses given to student. Multiple awards – additional funds can be used for other expenses or “STACKING”. Private scholarships – may be issued to student directly or to school financial aid office.

FAFSA: How Do I Apply? FAFSA Online – Website: – CAUTION!! – DO NOT USE fafsa.com This is a for profit fee-based service!!

Bright Futures Eligibility All MUST register online after Dec 1 st of Senior Year at ( ) If a student fails to apply before graduation date, benefits will be lost forever Student records will be uploaded from district Students may check status on FACTS.ORG with a student account Programs & Awards (NOTE: Criteria getting tougher…): Student must meet all criteria by graduation date Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) set amount Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) set amount Florida Gold Seal (GSV) set amount

Must complete standard HS requirements Must achieve GPA of 3.0 for FMS or 3.5 for FAS – Calculated only on core courses! Must complete core course requirements – English (4) – Math (4) Algebra 1 and above – Science (3), 2 with labs – Social Science (3) – Foreign Language (2) Must be in same language!

GRADUATION YEAR SAT ACT Florida Academic Scholars: Florida Medallion Scholars: SAT based on Critical Reading and Math sections only. ACT based on English, Reading, Math, and Science sections only.

Additional Bright Futures Requirements Community Service Hours – FAS – 100 hours – FMS – 75 hours – GSV – 30 hours FAFSA Requirement – Students are now required to submit a complete, error-free FAFSA for Bright Futures and renewal eligibility any time prior to disbursement. No FAFSA = No Money!

Polk Education Foundation Scholarship listings and application available on-line: February 8, 2013 Deadline: March 2013 TBA Packets to Guidance before deadline TBA Always check website for updates: fl.net/students/collegeandcareer/financialaid /pefscholarships.htm fl.net/students/collegeandcareer/financialaid /pefscholarships.htm Deadline comes fast so do not delay.

Polk State College Foundation Scholarships Numerous endowed scholarships available for a variety of students attending Polk State College The Polk State College Foundation will begin accepting applications for endowed scholarships February 1, The application process will close March 15, Always Check Website for updates/dates Apply online:

Private & Individual Scholarships COL College/Career Advisor – i.e. Ms. Mendoza Resources listed on COL website – Most require essays Many are targeted for specific student populations. Some are need-based others are merit-based. Read each description carefully.

COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS Request college transcripts through student’s PASSPORT account online. Small fee does apply. Students can also visit the Polk State College Registrar’s Office for help with college transcripts.

Additional Resources (Academic Advising) (SAT) (ACT) (Career Inventory) (Career Information) (Scholarships) (College Search)

NEVER pay for a grant or scholarship search service! All legitimate scholarship and grant information, government or private, should be accessible to everyone free of charge. Pay attention to deadlines! Many deadlines related to financial aid are not flexible – you can easily miss opportunities! Be cautious about “Who’s Who” award notices and book offers. If it involves money from you, be cautious!

Contacts Dr Peter Preston – Guidance Counselor Phone: ext Office WCL-132 Ms Josefina Mendoza – College/Career Advisor Phone: ext Office WCL-133

Important Dates February 5 & 21 – COL recruit nights – March 1st – Application lottery deadline March – Spring Break March 19 – NHS Induction Ceremony 6:30 pm April 20 – COL Prom April 11 – Cake Auction & Drive for Success

Important Dates April 26 – Grad Universal Studios May 7 – Founder’s Day & Polk State College graduation May 24 – Last day for Seniors May 30 – Senior Awards 6:30 pm June 1 – COL Graduation 3:30 pm

QUESTIONS? WHO? WHAT? WHERE? HOW LONG IS THE WAIT?