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Should I apply for financial aid before I have chosen where to go to school or before I have been accepted to that school?
Yes! You need to begin applying for all scholarships and financial aid as soon as possible! It is never too early to start applying!
How do I apply for financial aid?
There are a number of ways you can apply for financial aid:
- If you have already been accepted to the school of your choice, apply for the scholarships associated with that school!
- If you have not been accepted to your school yet, then go ahead and begin applying for scholarships with that school anyway!
- Apply for local scholarships.
- Apply for scholarships in your field of interest.
- Look for scholarships that are specific to you (for example: your high school, GPA, town where you live, etc.).
- Take advantage of student work programs offered by the university.
- Complete your FAFSA.
Do I really have to write essays?
Yes! Essays are the traditional way that you will apply for scholarships and can be the sole difference between you winning $50,000 in free money or nothing at all.
- We recommend that you begin writing essays over the summer prior to your senior year. You need to write a 500, 300, and 100 word essay over how the scholarship money will help you achieve your degree and future plans.
- Not all scholarship writing prompts are the same, but your essays can be easily adjusted to fit the writing prompts if you have it finished prior to the scholarship application process.
What is the FAFSA and why do I need it?
- The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is needed to apply for federal financial aid for all universities and colleges. The form is also used to apply for Texas State aid such as Texas Grants and Loans.
- You may obtain the (FAFSA) by applying on-line at FAFSA.
What do I need to fill out the FAFSA?
There are several things you are going to need to fill out your FAFSA correctly.
- A PIN number for you and your parents/guardian. Apply for a PIN
- The previous year’s tax return for the parent and student. It needs to be completed but does not have to have been filed.
- The previous year’s W-2(s) for both parent(s) and student.
- The previous year’s investment information (if applicable).
- Previous year means the previous tax year. If it is 2009, then the information must come from your completed, but not necessarily filed, 2008 tax return.
- When filling out the FAFSA, you must be aware as to what year you are applying for financial aid. It should say FALL of the current year. If it is January 2009 and you are filling out your FAFSA, with plans to attend in FALL of 2009, then you will click the link that says FALL 2009 to SPRING 2010.
- DO NOT CLICK THE CURRENT YEAR’S SPRING CYCLE. If it is January 2009, do NOT click the link that includes Spring 2009.
