Are you worried about how you are going to pay for COLLEGE? You are not alone!
The resources on this database can help you figure it all out.
Get started now...
The first important thing you can do is download this information:
Learn More Indiana: Financial Aid Timeline
http://www.learnmoreindiana.org/college/paying/FinancialAid/Pages/timeline.aspx
As early as August you can start preparing for paying for college by printing out this timeline and following the steps they outline for you. It gives you a task to do for each month to keep you on target. USE IT!
The next important thing is to file a FAFSA form.
Deadline is March 10th, 2008 for the state of Indiana.
What is a FAFSA?
The FAFSA is an application you must fill out in order to receive financial aid. If you do not fill it out, you will not be eligible to receive aid.
FAFSA on the Web Worksheet
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/fafsaws89c.pdf
Before filling out the FAFSA form, download this worksheet and complete it with your parents before filling out the FAFSA online. It is quicker and easier to fill out a FAFSA online rather than a paper application. This worksheet will make the online application process much easier.
Next, fill out the FAFSA
FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/index.htm
Now it is time to fill out the FAFSA form. Be sure to fill it out with your parents present to make the process easier.
1. Go to the FAFSA website above.
2. Click on #2 Fill Out Your FAFSA
3. If you completed the Web Worksheet, you should have all the information needed to fill out this form. You can skip the Documents Needed section.
4. Apply for a pin so you can file your application electronically. With this pin number you can sign your application electronically. You must do this if you want to complete the application online.
http://www.pin.ed.gov/PINWebApp/pinindex.jsp
5. When it asks you which FAFSA you want to file, you will select the 2008/2009 FAFSA.
6. Now you will complete the form with all of your personal information.
7. If you encounter problems, contact FAFSA directly by calling this number 1-800-4-FED-AID
Student Aid on the Web
http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/index.jsp
This is a free government site on the web which gives free information from the Department of Education about preparing for and funding your education after high school. This site has lots of different tools for you to use such as the college savings calculator. Check it out.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Contact our school's guidance counselor to get the applications for our community's scholarships.
Check out these resources online to find scholarships:
FastWeb
You will have to register to receive information about scholarships. Recommended by over 15,500 high schools and 3,500 colleges, FastWeb is the nation's largest, most accurate, and most frequently updated scholarship database online.
CollegeNET
http://www.collegenet.com/about/index_html
By entering information about yourself, this website will compile a list of potential scholarships you can apply for. Here is how you do it:
1. Click on Scholarship Search
2. Click on Profile Search
3. Click on the different tabs at the top of the site (general, academic, residence, interests, etc.) to complete personal information about yourself.
4. Click SEARCH when you feel you have entered enough information to get results.
5. If the number of results is too high, narrow your search by selecting more tabs and adding information.
updated February 18th, 2008