GEHS Class of 2026 - College Cheat Sheet

Financial Aid

Financial aid refers to the scholarships, grants, and loans that help students pay for college.

Grants vs. Loans

Grants are gifts. Loans must be repaid.

Federal and state grant amounts are determined by the FAFSA (see below). You may also receive a grant from an organization.

Stafford loans are offered to students who file the FAFSA. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest until the student stops going to school. Unsubsidized loans start accruing interest when you start school - like most loans.

Some families choose to take out loans in addition to their Stafford loans, such as:

Parent Plus Loans: studentaid.gov

Scholarships

Scholarships are gifts that do not have to be repaid. You may be offered scholarships from a college or from an organization. High schools have many scholarships to apply for!

Most colleges have scholarships to offer. Sometimes coaches, fine arts instructors, and admissions staff will offer a scholarship before you apply. However, it is more common that you will discuss scholarship options with the school after you apply.

FAFSA

The 26-27 FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) is already open. You can complete the online form for free at studentaid.gov.

This is the only way colleges can award you state/federal grants and Stafford loans so it is recommended that you and your family take the time to complete the FAFSA. The FAFSA takes into consideration household income in order to determine your aid.

Admissions Process

The first step is to complete the application. This will be easily accessible on the college's website. Many schools have a free application, but some may charge a small fee.

Checklist Items

The steps to get accepted at a college will vary by college, but almost certainly will include the need for your high school transcript. Ask your high school counselor how to send it out.

Other checklist items may include: essays, letters of recommendation, and ACT/SAT. Many colleges are now test-optional, meaning an ACT/SAT is not required for admission.

Once the college has your required items and sends you their decision - hopefully to say that you've been accepted(!) - you will receive your next steps.

Getting accepted to a college is not a commitment to that college. You can be accepted to many colleges. Getting accepted is an accomplishment that allows you to consider that school!

Preparing for College Visits

How to Schedule

You will often be able to select the date that works best for you (and your family) from the college's website. Visits may be individualized or they may be in a group setting.

Don't forget to take a College Visit Form (pick it up outside the GEHS attendance office) so your day off from school will be not counted as an absence!

Why Visit Colleges?

State colleges are different from community colleges which are different from private colleges. Its hard to know where you would be most comfortable until you visit different options.

Campus visits are a great way to see how you feel about a college!

Make Sure You Leave Your Visit Knowing More About:

your path to financial aid and scholarships from the school

what your academic journey would look like - even if you're undecided