Financial Aid /Scholarships
Getting Started!
Before you start filling out your applications --- Read the Instructions!!!
This is the first mistake that students make- they don't read the instructions. Don't let this happen to you! Download and read the "Tips for Scholarship Applications and Essays" before you begin filling out your scholarship applications and writing a scholarship essay.
Do you qualify for the scholarship? ...do you meet the criteria?
What is the deadline and what do you need to submit? i.e. essay, letters of recommendation(s), transcripts, etc.
Are there any limits on the essay? i.e. words, characters, font, spacing, pages, etc.
Shopping Advice for college Aid... according to College Factual
Comparing financial aid offers from various colleges is often a challenge. Offers come in all different formats, but all should contain the same information.
Cost of attendance
Grants and Scholarships
Loans
the Amount Remaining
However, many families don't realize that financial aid offers may be appealed and you may request more money.
Find out what the school's financial appeal process is. Use appropriate language to start an appeal letter to a college - avoid confrontational language. "You are sending this letter to request consideration of the aid that was offered to you."
Contact the school and request an appointment with a financial aid officer.
Ask for a reassessment of the FAFSA- Explain any money issues outside of FAFSA. Financial aid officers have some latitude to account for special circumstances.
Make colleges compete - Some schools have a policy to match other institutions financial aid offers.
Don't be afraid to ask!
Get forms in on time! Know your deadlines.
Beware Scholarship Scams
Scam Warning Signs
You are asked to pay a FEE!
Money-back offers or guarantees
Credit card or bank account information required
Provides "exclusive" information
Scams: "Phishing" & "Pharming"
NEVER give out your Social Security, credit card or bank account numbers to unsolicited emails or calls.
BE CAREFUL about giving out your contact information or email address.
Phishing: Unsolicited emails that bear the logo of your bank or credit card; Appear legitimate but are traps to lure you into giving out your personal or account information.
Pharming: Unsolicited emails that encourage your to visit a website or click on suspicious links; Make sure your inbox spam filters are up to date.
Financial Aid Resources
www.FAFSA.ed.gov: DOE website for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. To download the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet, please click here
www.standoutcollegeprep.com/fafsa-questions/: FAFSA Step-by-Step Guide that walks individuals through each question of the FAFSA, including screenshots and explanations and an FAQ page for students with special circumstances.
www.firn.edu/doe/brfutures: Florida Dept of Education's Bright Futures Program
www.fastweb.com: free scholarship search site and registry
www.studentscholarships.org: resource for comparing career options and available scholarships
www.raise.me: Raise.me partners with over 180 colleges who offer micro-scholarships to students for their achievements starting as early as 9th grade.
www.scholarshiphelp.org: walks students through process and scholarship search
www.cappex.com: connect with colleges and scholarships
www.finaid.org: guide to financial aid process, free scholarship searches
www.findtuition.com: search for scholarships by eligibility, major, college, and more
www.collegeispossible.org: American Council of Educators info for underserved populations
www.collegenet.com: scholarship and financial aid search
www.collegeconfidential.com: information on financial aid
www.princetonreview.com: info on aid, loans, scholarships and costs
www.schoolsoup.com: scholarship search site
www.financialaidfinder.com: Scholarships, Grants, Student Loans, & More
www.educationfoundation.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/Student_Portal.Create_Catalog: Hillsborough Education Foundation Scholarship Catalog
www.tuitionfundingsources.com: How to pay for college resource: Scholarships, financial aid, student loans, and career paths
www.onlinecolleges.net/for-students/financial-aid-minorities/:
www.ala.org/awardsgrants/: Every year the American Library Association and its member units honor people and institutions through a variety of grants and fellowships, as well in the promotion and advancement of the librarian profession.
www.agc.org/learn/education-and-research-foundation/scholarship-program: Leading association for the construction industry. The AGC Education and Research Foundation offers undergraduate and graduate level scholarships to students enrolled in ABET or ACCE accredited construction management or construction related engineering programs, as well as for students entering craft training or technical programs.
www.niche.com: Find the school and scholarships that best fits you
www.standoutcollegeprep.com/florida-scholarships/: Florida Scholarship Directory that lists 100+ vetted scholarships for students across the state, broken down by month.