J ANUARY 15, :30 PM Financial Aid Night

Agenda Welcome and Introductions Different Types of Aid Natalie Derham, College Counselor How Do I Search for Private Scholarships? Natalie Derham, College Counselor Q & A What is the FAFSA, how do I apply for TOPS, and more money matters from the state Kendra Woods, LOSFA Q & A A Closer Look at the FAFSA Natalie Derham, College Counselor Closing Comments

Introductions Faculty of Karr Representative from LOSFA, Kendra Woods

Types of Aid Scholarships: merit-based  Private (foundations, national and local)  Institutional (from the college)  State (TOPS) Grants: need-based (usually)  Federal (Pell Grant) or Institutional (college) Loans  Federal or Private Work Study  Federally-aided job on campus

How do I Search for Private Scholarships? Search engines Search foundations, businesses, organizations you know and love and see if they offer scholarships (United Negro College Fund) (Hispanic Scholarship Fund) Your local church, grocery store, parents’ employer, your employer, anyone! Scholarship Spreadsheet Available online at

Edna Karr Scholarship Database Edna Karr Scholarship Database! Organized Excel spreadsheet of many different types of scholarships, their major requirements, deadlines, and more. “Shared” with students via Always in progress so check often!

Lagniappe Education Foundation (a little something extra)  Cleveland Lawrence, Karr ’93  Started education foundation in 2009  Award one scholarship to an Edna Karr graduate!  GPA 3.0  Apply in January (7-semester transcript)  Deadline March 15 Additional information about other private scholarships on

How Do I Apply for Scholarships? Similar to applying for colleges Application, Transcript Request, Essay, Letters of Recommendation No fees to apply for a scholarship…ever! Sometimes even more work than college apps! The hard work is worth it! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Q&A Questions and Comments

FAFSA, TOPS, and more! LOSFA (Louisiana Office of Student Financial Aid)

FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Q&A Questions and Comments

Final Reminders You may begin the FAFSA on or after January 1 of the Senior Year. Parents should have completed previous year’s tax returns in order to complete the FAFSA. Try to complete the FAFSA in February/March in order to receive the maximum dollars! Stay on top of private scholarship applications and deadlines. The hard work is worth it! $$$ Be careful of scholarship scams! Make your final decisions in the Spring. The national Intent to Enroll Deadline is May 1.

Reminders for Seniors In order to receive a Financial Award letter from a college, you must have been accepted. In order to be accepted, you must have applied! Apply now!

Thank You and Good Luck!