Financial Aid Checklist
financial aid
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Calculate how much financial aid you will need to afford the college of your choice
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Understand all student costs involved, besides tuition
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Know what the college might truly cost you - the net price (which is tuition minus grants & scholarships)
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Rely on family friends to share ideas about how you can afford college
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Begin saving early for college - birthday money, high school jobs, anything you can to help pay for college later
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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.
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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.
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Take the PSAT/NMSQT tests, which, if passed, qualify you into the National Merit Scholarship Program.
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Research various types of financial aid available (like the differences between a grant and a loan)
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If you have time, consider taking a class for college credit while in high school
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Once you hone in on your top college picks, begin researching scholarship opportunities
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If your school offers an informational event about college financial aid, definitely attend!
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Gather all documents associated with financial aid applications and fill them out.
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Complete your FAFSA
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Take note of all deadlines for applications
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Find out which colleges your interested in (if any) might require you to complete CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE
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Apply to both local and private scholarships
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Compare financial aid awards from the colleges who\'ve offered you financial assistance
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Be sure to confirm a financial aid package by its deadline
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Contact any college\'s financial aid office, if needed, to clarify any misinformation or discrepancies
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Complete the remainder of any financial aid documents to be submitted
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Now, you are ready to pay for the first tuition bill of college :)
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