5 Financial Aid Tips

Scholarship Searching

1. Assume you're eligible. Don't rule yourself out because of income or academics.

2. Don't wait to be accepted to a college to apply for aid. Coffers may be empty by spring.

3. Get application forms soon. You should file as soon after January 1 as possible.

4. Figure out your expected family contribution. Worksheets on websites and in guidebooks can help you estimate how much colleges will expect you to pay. Your aid will be based on this figure.

5. Do your income tax forms early. Try to get your family to complete income tax forms early so you can submit accurate financial information to aid processors.

Kalman Chany, Paying for College Without Going Broke

Avoid scams. Not all internet search sites are valid, so make sure you are using a trusted source.

Financial Aid Calendar

From Collegeboard.com

1. Explore your options. Talk to your counselor and visit the CRC scholarship page to find all the need- and merit-based scholarships available.

2. Start EARLY. Avoid missing deadlines. Research and filing out applications takes time, so don't procrastinate. Keep searching throughout the year.

3. Be active. Participate in extracurricular activities and get active in the community.

4. Stay organized. Keep a checklist of submission requirements and due dates. Be sure to complete all of the necessary paperwork before submitting an application.

5. Follow the instructions. Watch your essay length and submit only materials that are requested. Proofread your application to avoid any embarrassing spelling or grammar errors, and be sure your writing is legible.

6. Avoid scams. Not all internet search sites are valid, so make sure you are using a trusted source.

Nov/Dec 2004 "Careers & Colleges"

"Paying for College in Michigan" Handbook

From www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid

Michigan Financial Aid Programs

"Mistakes Were Made"

Financial Aid Blunders US News & World Report April 2005

Don't Forget!

The Hidden Costs of College

According to Forbes, the average student should expect to spend an additional $5,000 per year

• Clothing (sweaters, socks, shoes, coats, etc.): $213

• Electronics (computer, iPod, cellphone, etc.): $827

• Transportation (bus/train pass, travel to and from home): $930

• Food/beverages (not supplied by meal plan): $15 - $30/week

• Textbooks/school supplies (notebooks, pencils, pens, etc.): $904

• Entertainment (concerts, movie rentals, clubs, etc.): $100/semester

• Furnishing for the dorm (towels, bookcases, bedspread, etc.): $344             "College Spotlight"   from College & Career Press, LLC January/February 2007