Financial Aid: Get Organized and Get Money For College

By Scott Raffington

Financial aid is an important part of applying to college. There are many different types of financial aid that can help a student pay their tuition, or in other words, the cost of attending college.

Money you get to help you pay for college is often college is often called financial aid. There are many options including grants, student loans from private banks, federal loans, or merit based scholarships.

There are generally two types of financial aid. The type that you have to pay back, and the type that you do not have to pay back. Because college is expensive and critically important, there are a lot of opportunities to get money that you do not have to pay back for college. Generally these are referred to as scholarships. Athletes often receive what is referred to as a "full ride" which means their tuition is paid for through an athletic scholarship. A "full ride" is also available to academic students through academic scholarships.

It is very difficult to get funding that can cover your entire college funding needs. Often you can combine several scholarships and cover most of your financial requirements through various sources. This is why it is so important to apply for as many scholarships as you think you might qualify for. You can find out which scholarships meet your needs and you might qualify for at by doing some internet research and following the suggestions below.

Let's focus on academic and program based scholarships and put together a game plan that will help you get the funding for college you need:

1. The guidance counselor at your high school can be a big help. If they don't have time to help you directly you should ask for any scholarship booklets they have put together or that the colleges that recruit from your school have put together.

2. If you have a short list of colleges that you wish to attend, call each of them. Every university has a general number with someone on the other end to direct your call. Tell them you are a prospective student and you would like information on financial aid. Every university has individuals dedicated to helping students fund their education. Request any sort of scholarship booklet they have.

3. There are many websites dedicated to college scholarships, the problem is that many of them are set up just to capture your information to sell you other products. You may want to review a good government website students.gov.

4. Scholarships are competitive. But they are also extremely beneficial and rewarding. Many of them have you competing in some form against other applications. There are a number of essay type scholarships. Make sure to research how to compete properly for any given essay.

5. Don't get discouraged. Scholarships are difficult to find. But just remember, when something is difficult to find it may also have lesser competition.

6. You're not the first one to apply for a scholarship. Utilize resources that are available to you. Each university has entire departments filled with dozens of people that specifically help prospective students attend their university. Do not be afraid to ask for help.

7. Letters of recommendation are gold. It is never too early to request letters of recommendation. If you can pocket a letter of recommendation from a distinguished individual, such as your principal, superintendent, or any sort of prominent individual, you instantly gain an advantage when applying for anything. Letters of recommendation can be used in almost any situation, including scholarships and grants.

8. Start early and keep at it. The earlier you start the more likely you are to be able to apply for more scholarships and also the more time you have to research and write your essays.

Applying for college money can be stressful, if you follow the 8 steps above hopefully you will find the process will go bye easier. Take the applications one at a time and make sure to complete all the needed points so that you have an opportunity to get your application reviewed.

This is an exciting and life altering time for you and we hope you get the money you need and get that college degree.

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