Paying for College
As fall is
upon us many of our seniors have filled out college applications, written
college entrance essays, and requested all their transcripts. Just when it seems like it should be a time
for taking a breath, many are starting to think about the realities of going to
college. College is expensive, and now
as many will start hearing in the next few months where they have been
accepted, the reality of how am I going to pay for this is setting in.
Each year a
few of the counselors attend a workshop to get up-to-date information on
Financial Aid in Michigan. I have
included some essential information we received from this workshop for students
as they begin to think about paying for college.
- Everyone should fill out the FAFSA. Even if you don’t think you will qualify for financial aid, most colleges require the FAFSA for students when awarding scholarships.
- There are different types of financial aid.
o
Scholarships
–a financial award based on academic merit (many of these are awarded to
students automatically when they apply to a college) or some other criteria the
scholarship sponsor has set forth.
§ There are a number of scholarships to
apply for including local scholarships and private scholarships.
§ Our local scholarship information
becomes available in December, be sure to check your school email for dates and
deadlines in regard to these scholarships.
§ There are a number of reliable
scholarship websites out there, but some are scams. Keep in mind if they are asking you for money
it is most likely a scam. I have
included some reliable scholarship websites below.
o
Grants
§ These are also financial awards often
given by a school or the government for students who show financial need.
o
Loans
§ A school loan is given by the
government to help a student pay for school, but students will need to pay back
the loan after graduation. There are different
types of loans, so be sure to understand the type of loan you are accepting.
§ Students can take all of a loan or
part of a loan; it is wise to only take as much as you need.
·
Save
the Date
o
December 20th is the date Local Scholarship
information will become available
o
January 1st is when students can begin to fill
out the FAFSA
o
January 21st is our school’s Financial Aid night,
a valuable information session for students and parents to learn more about
financial aid and to ask questions of a financial aid expert.
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