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Parents can maximize their son or daughter’s eligibility for need-based scholarships and grants by reducing their financial assets and cash reserves. This sounds extreme, but it is reality. MyCollegeCalendar.org gives advice on actions to take to increase student eligibility for financial aid and to receive scholarship awards.
A year ago, private colleges were struggling to navigate rough economic waters. But here’s the surprise: In many cases, students who applied to college for the 2009-10 academic year actually received more financial help than the previous year’s applicants.
FAFSA PINs (Personal Identification Numbers) are required for both you (the student) and one of your parents to apply for need-based financial aid. The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid required by virtually all colleges to receive need-based grants and loans from the federal government, state government, and from colleges. MyCollegeCalendar.org gives the link and instructions to obtain FAFSA PINs.
Single largest mistake made regarding need-based financial aid is discussed at MyCollegeCalendar.org. Advice is provided on how to avoid this pitfall.
The financial aid process is confusing at best and for many college-bound students and their parents, it can be incomprehensible. MyCollegeCalendar.org provides a simple, user-friendly flowchart of the entire process showing the types of aid, when to apply, and when students should be notified of scholarship and grant awards.
“Free money” that comes in the form of merit-based financial aid includes scholarships and grants; it is money that is almost always tax-free and never has to be repaid. Merit-based scholarships and grants are awarded based on excellence in academics, leadership, volunteerism, athletic ability, and other areas determined by the granting organization, which can be a college or university, community-minded organization, or individual.
Understanding Financial Aid – Explanation of Scholarships, Grants and Loans.
Students, and especially parents, should understand all aspects of financial aid process. Detailed discussion of scholarship, grant, and loan application processes, common pitfalls to avoid, and all-around practical advice are provided.
Are rich teenagers going to catch a break in this year’s college admission season?
It’s a question that admission directors are skittish about discussing. No college wants to admit that it will reject more needy students so they can embrace the affluent applicants.
(via CBS Money Watch)
President Mark G. Yudof announces plans to raise $1 billion in private funds over the next four years and to expand an existing aid program to more middle-income families.
Winning scholarship applications don’t simple list and discuss a student’s activities and awards, they paint a vivid and impressive portrait of the student applicant. MyCollegeCalendar.org provides advice and instructions on how to create winning scholarship applications.
