If you are looking for financial aid for college students, the first thing you need to do is fill the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA). This is the form used to apply for all types of state, college and federal grants, scholarships and student loans. You will receive a report showing the amount your family will contribute towards your college education. The financial aid office in your college of choice also uses this report to determine your eligibility and calculate your financial aid package.
The federal government offers a variety of college financial aid programs that students and parents can consider. These include low interest federal direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans, parent PLUS loan, graduate PLUS loan, subsidized Stafford loans, Pell grant and the Perkins loan offered to college students who demonstrate exceptional need for college financial assistance. States also offer student aid programs and grants for needy students who desire to pursue further education. For you to qualify for these programs, you have to live, and study in the specific state. Working students can also benefit from the education tax benefits.
Excelling in academics and other extracurricular activities will improve your chances of finding financial aid for college. Throughout your high school career, strive to achieve above average grades and test scores so you will be able to meet the standards for merit based scholarship programs. Most colleges and universities have financial aid options for the best performers but you have to maintain top grades throughout to qualify for the scholarship programs every year.
If you excel in a certain sport or any other extracurricular area, this can increase your chances of winning scholarships and financial aid as it makes you stand out from the rest of the applicants. You will also be eligible for athletic scholarships and other special programs.
Other financial aid for college application tips include start planning for college early, not going for the early-decision college application option, considering a variety of sources of students aid, going through the application forms before sending them out to catch any errors and ensuring you send out the correct information without exaggerating or including the wrong information. Parents need to look at the way they portray their expenses as these can hurt or improve the student?s financial aid chances. When applying for outside scholarship programs, keep in mind that these may not reduce your family?s contribution. External scholarships awards will help you if you have a college financial aid package with more loans than grants.
Learn more about financial aid for college. Stop by Rick Mulholland?s site where you can find out all about financial aid.
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