FINANCIAL AID Procedures

1.   Check college catalog(s), Internet sites and scholarship bulletins from the college or university to which you are applying.

2.   Meet all required deadlines. Start a calendar for college and scholarship applications with deadlines and due dates.

3.   Read your local school’s scholarship bulletin and ask the college counselor in the counseling office for more information and application forms. Enter deadlines on your calendar.

4.   Print or type your application, attach the required information, such as your transcript, letters of recommendations, essays, and so forth.

5.   Make copies of your completed applications, transcripts and letters.  Place them in a file or envelope. This will help your with future applications.

6.   Mail financial aid form (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1st. Do not wait until the deadline because funds are limited.  Have the SAR (Student Aid Report) sent to the college(s) of your choice.

7.   Contact a financial officer at one of the local colleges for additional information and assistance with the financial aid applications.

FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE

If you qualify, you will receive a financial aid package from the college or university offering a combination of grants, loans, college work study, and scholarships.  The financial aid package will usually contain sufficient funds to meet your determined need.  Included will be a listing of dollar amounts awarded for each category.  After receiving the package offer, you may decide to accept or reject money in each category. Usually a decision to accept or reject must be made within 10 days. The financial aid package normally begins arriving by mail after April 1 of your senior year; final selection must be made (usually) by May 1.

Scholarships awarded by local donors may decrease your total need as determined by the FAFSA analysis. The dollar amount of the local scholarship will normally be deducted from your financial package. The following page will help you understand your financial aid award letter.

Fast Web Student Bulletin (PDF)

Myths about Financial Aid (PDF)

Student Aid and Identity Theft (PDF)