APPLYING FOR COLLEGE can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps early will make the process easier. Whether you’re applying to a university, community college, or online program, financial aid is key to making education affordable. This guide will help you understand how to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and apply for admissions and scholarships.

Step 1: Understanding FAFSA and Financial Aid

 This resource will guide you through the FAFSA process, helping you understand financial aid options such as:

         •        Pell Grants (free money for college)

         •        Scholarships (awarded based on merit, talent, or financial need)

         •        Federal Work-Study (part-time jobs to help with expenses)

         •        Student Loans (borrowed money that must be repaid)

 If you plan to attend summer or fall classes, you should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible to avoid missing important deadlines.

Step 2: Complete the FAFSA Application

         •        Visit FAFSA.gov to submit your application online.

         •        List your schools of interest on the FAFSA form so their financial aid offices receive your information.

         •        You can add more schools later, but submitting your FAFSA early ensures colleges start your Financial Aid Package right away.

Step 3: Contact Financial Aid Offices

         •        Call the Financial Aid Office at your chosen colleges to confirm your FAFSA was received.

         •        Ask about additional financial aid options, such as school-specific grants and scholarships.

         •        Understand the financial aid eligibility requirements and deadlines for each school.

Step 4: Apply for Admissions

         •        Complete the admission application for each school you’re interested in

         •        Some schools require additional documents like transcripts, essays, or recommendation letters—check their requirements early.

Step 5: Apply for Scholarships

         •        If you’re interested in talent-based scholarships

search for private scholarships using platforms like (i.e. music, etc):

         •        FastWeb (fastweb.com)

         •        Scholarships.com (scholarships.com)

         •        College Board’s Scholarship Search (bigfuture.collegeboard.org)

Step 6: Follow Up & Stay on Track

         •        Check your FAFSA status online to ensure all documents are processed.

•           Call financial aid offices regularly to ask about your financial aid award and

ensure you’ve completed all steps.

         •        Scholarships and grants are first-come, first-served—apply early every year to maximize your financial aid package.

 Navigating financial aid and admissions takes time, but taking initiative will help you secure the funding you need. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, make phone calls, and follow up on your applications.

 By completing your FAFSA and admissions applications early, you’ll be one step closer to achieving your educational goals!