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.

  1. 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."

  2. Contact the school and request an appointment with a financial aid officer.

  3. 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.

  4. Make colleges compete - Some schools have a policy to match other institutions financial aid offers.

  5. Don't be afraid to ask!

  6. 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