1. Financial Aid Planning Ahead for Your Academic Future http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kor_9cK593M&feature=player_embedded

2. Did you know… 95%of Financial Aid is based on NEED! 5% Of Financial Aids Based on Merit(Scholarships) How much financial aid you receive depends upon your family income and the cost of the college. The lower the family income the more aid you can receive.

3. 3 Ways to Get $$$ from College Grants: This kind of money does NOT need to be repaid Loans: You can repay your loans AFTER graduation with a LOW interest rate Work Study: Work part-time on campus

4. Financial Aid Award  Financial Aid is usually awarded as a package deal. For example: Grants = $2,000 Loans= $1,000 Work Study= $1500 Total Awarded= $4,500

5. What do you need to do? Choose your colleges and apply for admission using www.applytexas.org www.applytexas.org Apply for Financial Aid using the FAFSA website www.fafsa.edu.gov www.fafsa.edu.gov Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible beginning January 1 st. The sooner you submit your form, they more likely you are to receive aid.

6. To fill out the FAFSA, you need a copy of your parents’ 2012 U.S income tax return. If you are filing a return you need yours, too. File your FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.govwww.fafsa.ed.gov Complete a paper worksheet copy of the FAFSA before filling on - line. PIN Number To sign your FAFSA application on-line, and to make on-line corrections you and your parents must apply for a PIN (Personal Identification Number). To apply for a PIN go to www.pin.ed.govwww.pin.ed.gov You need two PIN numbers: one for you and one for a parent. FASFA

7. The Process Submit FAFSA College receives SAR Award letter sent to student Student accepts or declines award from college Department of Education calculates EFC Student receives SAR

8. WHERE TO Local scholarships– the smaller the geographical area a scholarship covers the better your chances of winning– local community scholarships will be announced in the Spring (March) Go on-line and use a FREE scholarship search service: www.wiredscholar.com or www.fastweb.com Research college scholarships. Most scholarship $$$ is from colleges. Check out college web sites and college representatives. Visit the WHS “GO Center” bulletin board for scholarship information.