Financial Aid Tips For College Students

Find the Resources You Need at Your College Campus

It is important to remember that you are not alone in this process. There are many people on campus who can help you get the financial aid resources you need to succeed.

Your Financial Aid Office:
The financial aid office will be able to help you understand your financial aid options, including federal student aid, state aid, institutional aid, scholarships, student loans, and emergency grants available. They can also help you apply for financial aid and answer any questions you have.

Your Academic Advisor(s):
Your academic advisor can help you understand the financial implications of your academic choices. For example, they can help you choose courses that are eligible for financial aid or that will help you qualify for scholarships.

Your Student Organizations:
Student organizations can help students learn about financial aid options and connect them with the resources they need to apply for financial aid. They may also offer scholarships to their members. These scholarships can be based on academic achievement, financial need, or other criteria.

Your Professor(s):
Your professors may be able to help you find scholarships or other financial aid opportunities. They may also be able to write letters of recommendation for you.

Your Classmate(s):
Your classmates may be able to share their experiences with financial aid or provide you with referrals to financial aid resources. 

Your Student Government:
Your student government may have a financial aid office or may be able to connect you with resources on campus. They may also be able to help you advocate for financial aid policies that are important to you.

Your Family and Friend(s):
Your family and friends may be able to help you with your financial aid application or provide you with additional support.

Additional Tips for Financial Aid planning

Start Early.
The financial aid application process can be time-consuming, so it is important to start early.

Be Organized.
Keep track of all of your financial aid paperwork and deadlines.

Be Persistent.
Don't be afraid to ask questions or seek help if you need it.

Don't Give Up.
The financial aid process can be frustrating, but it is important to keep working with thus familiar with the process, ask for help.

10 Cautionary Tips When Searching For Scholarships:

Tip #1 -Beware of Scams.
There are many scams out there that prey on students looking for scholarships. Be sure to do your research and only apply to scholarships that are legitimate and that is offered by a reputable organization. Be suspicious of scholarships that seem too good to be true.

Tip #2 - Don't Pay to Apply.
Beware of scholarships that require you to pay money to apply. Legitimate scholarships should never charge you an application fee. If you're asked to pay to apply, it's probably a scam.

Tip #3 - Read the Fine Print.
Before you apply for a scholarship, be sure to read the fine print. This includes the eligibility requirements, the application deadline, and the award amount.

Tip #4 - Sharing Personal Information. 
Don't give out your personal information to anyone you don't know or trust. This includes your Social Security number, your bank account information, or your home address.

Tip #5 - Don't Wait Until the Last Minute.
Start your scholarship search early. The best scholarships often have early deadlines, so you don't want to miss out.

Tip #6 - Be Yourself.
When you're writing your scholarship essays, be yourself. Don't try to be someone you're not. The scholarship committee wants to get to know the real you.

Tip #7 - Proofread Your Essays.
Before you submit your scholarship essays, be sure to proofread them carefully. Typos and grammatical errors will make you look unprofessional.

Tip #8 - Don't Give Up.
The scholarship search can be tough, but don't give up. Keep applying for scholarships until you find the ones that you're eligible for and that you're excited about.

Tip #9 - Ask For Help.
If you're struggling with your scholarship search, don't be afraid to ask for help. Talk to your guidance counselor, your parents, or other trusted adults.

Tip #10 - Stay Positive.
The scholarship search can be a long and frustrating process but stay positive. Remember that there are many scholarships out there, and you're sure to find some that you're eligible for.