Financial Aid Checklist

Calculate how much financial aid you will need to afford the college of your choice

Understand all student costs involved, besides tuition

Know what the college might truly cost you - the net price (which is tuition minus grants & scholarships)

Rely on family friends to share ideas about how you can afford college

Begin saving early for college - birthday money, high school jobs, anything you can to help pay for college later

Work hard in school! A great report card not only makes your application look great to colleges, but it can also help **pay** for your tuition in the form of grants & scholarships.

Be active in clubs and organizations in high school in areas you're passionate about (playing sports, volunteering, etc.). This can also lead to scholarship opportunities.

Take the PSAT/NMSQT tests, which, if passed, qualify you into the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Research various types of financial aid available (like the differences between a grant and a loan)

If you have time, consider taking a class for college credit while in high school

Once you hone in on your top college picks, begin researching scholarship opportunities

If your school offers an informational event about college financial aid, definitely attend!

Gather all documents associated with financial aid applications and fill them out.

Complete your FAFSA

Take note of all deadlines for applications

Find out which colleges your interested in (if any) might require you to complete CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE

Apply to both local and private scholarships

Compare financial aid awards from the colleges who've offered you financial assistance

Be sure to confirm a financial aid package by its deadline

Contact any college's financial aid office, if needed, to clarify any misinformation or discrepancies

Complete the remainder of any financial aid documents to be submitted

Now, you are ready to pay for the first tuition bill of college :)