by Chelsea A. Williams
(Columbia, SC, USA)
Hey there, do you think you are all ready for college? Well there is more to college then just football games and parading around in your schools colors. As you all know, college is expensive, but do not let the large price scare you away. I am going to break down the basics of things you need to know before and after applying for college.
by Verntasia Finley
(Kannapolis, NC, United States of America)
When students are applying to college, it is often seen in many different ways; ranging from great accomplishment to “time of our lives”. And from time of our lives, to life changing experience; but often people don’t think of how quickly the “time of our lives” bubble pops, and the depth the of the reality check labeled “life changing experience” truly is. Soon you begin to feel that painful headache that was ignored… that nagging headache that begins to ask questions aloud, such as: How am I going to pay for this? Can I afford this? What if I don’t can’t get a scholarship? What if I don’t qualify for a grant? Should I take out a student loan? Would I be willing to put myself in debt for a higher education that might not benefit me as greatly? Would it be wise to not go, and head straight into the workforce instead to save money? Etc.
Many of these are commonly asked, and anyone pursuing to be, or continuing to be a student would be wise to consider them. I know, personally, I often asked these questions because I had very little time and money to get ready for or pay for college. I was 17 years old working for a theme park, making minimum wage, paying rent, raising my 1 year old nephew, and trying to pass my senior classes after switching schools mid semester. It was tough, because I had no money to save for college, and it seemed as if I knew nothing about how to get there. I wasn’t deeply informed about taking the SAT or ACT, their fees and waivers (if a student gets free lunch (s)he may qualify for their fees to be waived), what the tests were used for, and why they were required. I didn’t realize that extracurricular activities, and volunteer work helped tremendously on college applications, or that college applications had fees, or due dates. There was a lot I knew not of, and it seemed like it was a nightmare all crashing in on me.
But then I learned quickly and last minute about the “Federal Application For Student Aid (fafsa)”, and scholarship applications; I hadn’t learned about grants and loans until I was accepted into Brevard College, and even then I didn’t truly understand their depth until I was in the financial aid office talking to a counselor. A financial aid counselor from the school you‘re considering/currently attending, or if you’re still in high school, a student counselor at your current school as well as the school you’re considering to attend, would be the best resource to use. A financial aid counselor would be most helpful because they can explain how the fafsa works, and what scholarships or grants you can qualify for; they let you know about loans, if necessary, and even explain what the fine print in loan applications mean.
The fafsa is the second biggest help to anyone who is pursuing higher education, it tells you what you’re eligible for, and even if you’re not eligible for much, gives you ways to consider to help pay for your education. Grants can be a greater help than scholarships depending on the amount that’s given, and vice-versa. Loans are complicated, its best to really weigh your options if you need to apply for one. read the fin print!!!! all of it!!!! And think about ways to pay it back before applying for them. Luckily, there are loan forgiveness programs, and other organizations to help repay them. All in all, these are the best ways to cure the anxiety of paying for college; but the best advice of all is start early!!!! Apply early, keep your grades up, and think ahead.
Read more College Financial Aid Tips from other students and parents who have been through process.
Scholarships for 2023 - It is never too early or too late to work on your scholarship searches. If you are part of the high school class of 2023, you should work on your scholarship and college search now. See our list of Scholarships for High School Seniors
FAFSA - The official 2023 - 2024 FAFSA is now available. See information about FAFSA.
Scholarship Lists An overview of the different types of Scholarship Money for College.
Grants Learn more about grants, the other free money for college.
Need Tuition Help? Reduce the cost of tuition with these college Tuition Assistance Programs.
Tax Credit Claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit.
College Savings Plans Save money for college with these College Savings Plans.
Need a Student Loan? Yes, you qualify for these college Student Loans.
Scholarships for High School Students