GETTING YOU READY FOR COLLEGE

The Complete Scholarship Book

Types of financial aid:

Scholarships and grantsFree money! Money you receive through organizations, clubs, and sports that you

don’t have to repay.

LoansFunds that must be repaid plus interest.

Work study You get paid through an on-campus job.

College Price Tag:

Direct cost- the costs that you can’t change. Fixed rate set by the college. Examples:

Tuition and fees Book s and class supplies Room and board

Indirect cost- costs that you can alter or choose. Examples:

Transportation and gas Phone service Entertainment

Work-Study

Typically provided through the Federal Work Study Program

Federal Work study program A United States federally funded program that

assists students with the costs of postsecondary education.

The Federal Work Study Program helps students earn financial funding through a part-time work program.

Federal Agencies That Offer Loans:

Federal Direct Student Loan Program (FDSLP)

Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP)

Federal Parent Loan of Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

Other Ways to Pay For College:

Americorps- You volunteer for a specific group or organization in exchange for tuition reimbursement. Full time members: $4,725 (pay for college, grad

school, or college loans)

Am I Eligible?

Free Application for Federal Student aid

Determines your eligibility for federal assistance

Schools base their financial aid package on FAFSA

Deadline to complete application is June 30

www.fafsa.ed.gov

Scholarship Tips:

Apply every yearFill out FAFSA

applicationLearn financial aid

application processStay in contact with

financial aid administrators

Keep college options open

Consider a school in-state

Investigate other ways to pay for college

Consider living at home during college

Apply for as many scholarships as you can

Join clubs and build a resume

Types Of Scholarships:

Merit Scholarships- High academic performance, leadership ability, and artistic ability.

Examples: Pennsylvania State University Bunton-Waller Fellows

Program Drexel University Presidential Scholarship University of Pittsburgh Academic Scholarship Temple University Temple Scholar Award

Types Of Scholarships:

Department Awards- Shows promise or achievement in your major.

Examples: Accounting Biology Criminology Fashion merchandising Special education Nursing

Types Of Scholarships:

Athletic- Used to attract top athletes. Only given out in Division 1 and Division 2 schools.

Division 1 Schools:• Pitt• Penn State• Villanova• UCLA• Ohio U• Coastal Carolina• Florida State

Division 2 Schools:• Clarion• Slippery Rock• IUP• Edinboro• California

University• Kutztown• Lock Haven• Pitt Johnstown

Division 3 Schools:• Allegheny• Carnegie Mellon• Grove City• Chatham• La Roche• St. Vincent• Thiel• Westminster

Types Of Scholarships:

Fellowships Only for graduate students Usually cover all expenses.

Example: Grad assistant for a professor or coach

Private Scholarships

Businesses and corporations Ex: Dell Scholars Program, Best Buy Scholarship, Walton Family Foundation Scholarship

Professional associations American Library Association

Clubs and groups Key Club, National Honors Socity, Art club, etc.

Religious community Youth group

Minority organizations Ex: Hispanic Scholarship fund Wal-Mart Stores

Parents employers

Other Scholarship Opportunities

College major/ field of interestStudent affiliationsState of residence/ studyEthnic backgroundInternational Students Students with Disabilities

5 Parts of the Scholarship Application

1. Application Form

Receive from club, organization, sport, etc.

Complete each section that applies to you.

FOLLOW DIRECTIONS!

If hand writing use a blue or black ink pen

5 Parts of the Scholarship Application

2. Transcript

Get official one sent for your schoolYou have the right to review it before hand

5 Parts of the Scholarship Application

3. Essay

Typed on the computer, never hand writtenFree of all grammatical errorsStay on topicKeep it to the point

5 Parts of the Scholarship Application

4. Letter of Recommendation

Have at least 3Make sure they are going to help your cause

5 Parts of the Scholarship Application

5. Interview

Prepare ahead of time Take any material with you that you might need

Dress appropriately Ask questions

Renewable Scholarships

Award extended beyond the initial award year.Ex:

2 time award (receive the amount twice during college)

4 year (receive the amount once every year for four years)

Maintain full-time status Maintain required GPA

Designated expenditure

Specific expenses that your scholarships cover: Tuition Room and board General School related supplies

Scholarship ongoing eligibility requirements

GPASatisfactory academic progressFull time statusTime off from schoolDesignated field of studyCollege choiceService requirementsMilitary serviceParticipation in sport

Scholarship Scams: Warning signs:

A notice that promises you cash, just pay a registration fee

Pay a fee and they will do all the work

Money back guarantee

Credit card verification

No applicationSuspicious contact

information

Scams

Web sites

FastWeb free online scholarship search Helps you find scholarships that you qualify for www.fastweb.com

FinAid Free information about financial aid www.finaid.org