Financial Aid
FAFSA, PHEAA, and Scholarships
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Types of Student Aid
Scholarships & grants
Scholarships & grants
They are received from Schools, the federal government, and other institutions.
It does not have to be paid back.
Some have financial qualifications, but many do not.
Loans
Loans
They can be federal or private
The money needs to be paid back, usually with interest
Some loans have the interest accrual deferred.
Be aware of loan forgiveness options
Work Study
Work Study
Campus job opportunities provided by the school
They are usually need-based opportunities
They sometimes have a limited number of hours.
Financial Aid
The Federal Government determines eligibility for income-based grants and loans.
Create a FSA ID using a personal email
Students and guardians should have separate FSA IDs
Some schools require this form as part of the application for non-federal financial aid.
Use your college board account information
You may be eligible for a fee waiver
Scholarship Searches
Scholarship search tools
College Match- Questbridge
College Match- Questbridge
Match Scholarship Recipients are granted early admission to one of QuestBridge's college partners with a full four-year scholarship, worth over $200,000. Our college partners use a combination of their own funds as well as state and federal aid to fund the scholarship.
The Match Scholarship is offered as part of a generous financial aid package provided by the college that covers the cost of attendance, including:
Tuition and fees
Room and board
Books and supplies
Travel expenses
All Match Scholarship packages:
Have NO parental contribution
Have NO student loans
May contain a student contribution in the form of Federal work-study, summer work, or student savings
Scholarship tips
Scholarship tips
Apply only if you are eligible.
Start early.
Create a checklist with scholarship names, deadlines, requirements, and instructions (mail, apply online, etc.).
Carefully fill out application. Be neat and use correct grammar. There should be no errors, scribbles, editing marks on the final application.
Have someone review your application for errors before you submit.
Create a resume of your accomplishments, extracurricular activities, academic history, etc.
Gather your thoughts. Think of a problem that you have faced and how you overcome or are working to overcome it. Put in writing your career goals or what your education plan is.
Submit a well-composed essay that will make a definite impression. Take time to outline your essay and make sure your message is clearly defined and focused. Make sure your essay represents exactly who you are, so do not ramble or exaggerate your achievements. Express yourself and show your commitment to your goal(s).
Have a generalized essay prepared that can be altered to address specific requests or prompts from certain scholarships.
Make sure your essay aligns with the prompt and word/page requirements issued by each specific scholarship.
Letters of recommendation are an important part of the application process. Ask someone who knows you well and can write about you, your academic achievements, and your strengths.
Teachers, counselors, advisors, coaches, employers, and religious leaders are all good sources for recommendations.
Be sure to give your recommenders enough time to write a letter of recommendation (at least two weeks).
Write a thank you note, hand written, to each recommender to show your appreciation for their letter.
Stay organized! Keep all of your scholarship paperwork in one place (folder, binder, bin, etc.) and use your scholarship chart to keep track of deadlines.
Give your application materials a final review. Proof read and have someone else look them over.
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