1. A Quick Guide FINANCIAL AID

2.  Federal  Available after completing FAFSA-http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/  State  Almost every state has financial aid for it’s residents  Also Available after FAFSA or State Application  University/ Institutional  Many institutions provide need based financial aid  There are also Institution based scholarships available  Private  Any company, program, or outside source that provides scholarships MAIN TYPES OF AID

3.  Combine all 4 types of aid.  Focus on Federal + State Aid (FAFSA)  Use target institutions as resources (website, email, phone)  Search locally -> nationally for private scholarships  Funds are limited so some programs are first come first serve.  Starting early gives you the best chances of success! BEST WAY TO GO ABOUT IT

4.  Start in September (start now)  Visit http://www.nasfaa.org/ for outline of Fin. Aid.http://www.nasfaa.org/  Visit target university websites for financial aid policies & programs immediately.  Apply for your FAFSA PIN IMMEDIATE STEPS

5.  Opens January 1 st  Profile determines financial need/ situation.  Must be signed using PIN by Guardian and Student, get *these early  http://www.pin.ed.gov/PINWebApp/pinindex.jsp http://www.pin.ed.gov/PINWebApp/pinindex.jsp  Automatically apply for Fed. And State AID  MOST IMPORTANT FORM!  Finish FAFSA As Soon As Possible  Finish at the latest March 15th FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA)

6.  Federal Pell Grants  up to 5,550 each year for 12 semesters  Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)  Awarded to students in exceptional need.  The Federal Work-Study Program  Opens students up to Work Opportunities  Check your Eligibility for these programs (Income based) and more.  FAQS and a thorough outline.  http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/help.htm http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/help.htm FEDERAL AID – LIKELY BENEFITS

7.  Each state has programs for need, merit, and more!  State Education Agency website:  http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/Programs/EROD/org_list.cfm?category_cd=SHE http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/Programs/EROD/org_list.cfm?category_cd=SHE  Overview of Universities and State Programs  **State by State financial aid Programs **:  http://www.nasfaa.org/students/State_Financial_Aid_Program s.aspx http://www.nasfaa.org/students/State_Financial_Aid_Program s.aspx STATE RESOURCES

8.  Will usually rely on FAFSA application to determine eligibility  Many will not have separate application  Many have specific requirements: GPA, AP/ IB enrollment, demonstrate financial need, etc. etc.  Opportunities available for certain degrees (teaching, engineering, etc.) & demographics.  Often renewable if yearly requirements are met**  Funds are limited, finish application early.  Do not assume you will receive, check the website! STATE RESOURCES

9.  Colleges/ Universities offer scholarships and Grants  Companies, foundations and other organizations offer Scholarships  Based on need, merit, achievement, and MORE.  Can be very open or narrow eligibility requirements.  Should be lowest priority/ source of aid. PRIVATE AID

10.  Will have unique Application  Will have unique Deadline  Will not necessarily have high competition  Look for these deadlines As Soon As Possible  Should NEVER be any FEES for applications, beware of scams! PRIVATE AID

11.  Search locally (in your City/ Town) - fewer applicants (easier to get). Look where you’re involved!  College Counselors should have plenty of information for local scholarships.  There are scholarships for everything, expand your horizon!  Prioritize local scholarships and then attempt larger ones.  Do not be afraid of essay, poetry, or other competitions.  If you qualify, then apply!  Always keep track of deadlines.  Look in scholarship books and online:  www.fastweb.com www.fastweb.com  www.collegeboard.com www.collegeboard.com  www.Zinch.com/scholarships www.Zinch.com/scholarships PLAN FOR PRIVATE AID

12.  If they offer Early Admission - may require a CSS profile  Profile determines financial need/ situation.  Early admit or not, check the website to see if profile is necessary: https://profileonline.collegeboard.org/prf/PXRemotePartInsti tutionServlet/PXRemotePartInstitutionServlet.srv https://profileonline.collegeboard.org/prf/PXRemotePartInsti tutionServlet/PXRemotePartInstitutionServlet.srv  Few scholarships that also require the profile - very specific, do a scan. If you are not interested or ineligible for the scholarships and your target school does not require the profile. Do not fill it out.  If profile necessary, submit 2 weeks before the submission deadline.  If you qualify for free or reduced lunch, you may be eligible for a fee waiver for the CSS profile. CSS PROFILE/ IDOC

13.  Start heavy searching after College Apps  Winter break is perfect for scholarship search  Useful tip: Get a physical calendar! Keep track of application dates!  No calendar? EXCEL Spreadsheet!  Your mentee doesn’t have to finish the scholarship applications now, but check eligibility and have a look at the application as soon as possible.  Have your mentee talk to their high school counselors. * *  Many deadlines for scholarship opportunities come around Mid February and on, to stay eligible, KEEP TRACK OF DEADLINES. EXECUTION

14.  Start by checking your target institutional scholarships and programs early.  Check for Financial Aid within your state and apply if necessary.  Begin your Private Aid Scholarship search (September - December)  Finish FAFSA as soon as possible (After January 1 st )  Fill out CSS Profile/ IDOC if necessary  Focus on institutional aid and continue private scholarship applications.  The more you apply, the higher your chances. If you are eligible, Apply!  Local Scholarships  Larger, National Scholarships  Once again, KEEP TRACK OF YOUR DEADLINES RECAP

15.  AP and Dual enrollment classes  Reach out to HS Counselors  Earn College Credit, boost GPA, strive for higher achievement  AP credit accepting Universities: https://apscore.collegeboard.org/creditandplacement/search-credit- policies https://apscore.collegeboard.org/creditandplacement/search-credit- policies  Consider Housing: Living at home, in a dorm, or off campus  Home -> Save money, may be less social  Dorm -> Expensive, but usually more social  Start at community College  Very cost effective (Avarage < 1/2 public universities)  Can Transfer to Public University (in State)  Finish basic requirements then Transfer to Public University WAYS TO CUT COSTS

16.  Earn Money while working  Federal Work Opens on campus and volunteer jobs  Steady income and gain work experience.  Choose appropriate meal plan  Be realistic, only buy what you will eat.  Buy used textbooks, rent, or find books online  Use campus bookstore last  Buy and return books in between cheaper alternatives  Attempt to use an older edition WAYS TO CUT COSTS

17.  AXA achievement Scholarship: for outstanding achievement outside of the classroom: http://www.axa-equitable.com/axa- foundation/AXA-achievement-scholarship.htmlhttp://www.axa-equitable.com/axa- foundation/AXA-achievement-scholarship.html  Ron Brown Scholar: High achieving African Americans: http://www.ronbrown.org/Apply/EligibilityRequirements.aspx http://www.ronbrown.org/Apply/EligibilityRequirements.aspx  Gates Millennium Scholarship: High Achieving ethnic minorities: http://www.gmsp.org/http://www.gmsp.org/  List of Hispanic Scholarship Fund scholarships: http://hsf.net/en/scholarships/programs http://hsf.net/en/scholarships/programs HIGH ACHIEVING SCHOLARSHIPS

18.  Large List of Scholarships (Texas Geared)  http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/apps/financialaid/tofa.cfm?Kind =PGS http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/apps/financialaid/tofa.cfm?Kind =PGS  MUST CHECK WEBSITE  http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/index.cfm?ObjectID=699A998A- E7F3-1DCC-3F460F26136EEA05 http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/index.cfm?ObjectID=699A998A- E7F3-1DCC-3F460F26136EEA05  Under “Types of Financial AID”  State and Federal Grants and Scholarships link  Private/Corporate Grants and Scholarships link  Navigate the other pages as well! TEXAS OPPORTUNITIES

19. GOV. ProgramsForLink OpensDue Top 10% Scholarship Program TX Public 2 year or 4 year college/ University. (State Resources) http://www.collegeforalltexan s.com/apps/financialaid/tofa 2.cfm?ID=385 FAFSA Jan 1 March 15 Texas GRANTAny public institution of higher education in TX (State Resources) http://www.collegeforalltexan s.com/apps/financialaid/tofa 2.cfm?ID=458 FAFSAPriority given to early applicants. March 15 Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG) In state colleges and universities (from private resources) http://www.collegeforalltexan s.com/apps/financialaid/tofa 2.cfm?ID=406 FAFSAMarch 15 TEXAS EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT PROGRAM (TEOG ) community college, technical college, certain state colleges (2 year colleges) http://www.collegeforalltexan s.com/apps/financialaid/tofa 2.cfm?ID=529 FAFSAMarch 15 Texas B-on-Time Loan In state Public http://www.hhloans.com/inde x.cfm?objectid=b00c090d- e45d-4f4b- 89da195959930185