How to Afford College

Transcription

1 Scholarship America s Guide on How to Afford College A publication of Scholarship America in collaboration with U.S. News & World Report

2 Table of Contents P3 P6 P8 P10 P12 P14 P16 Introduction: Start your Journey Step 1: Fill out the FAFSA Apply for federal aid early Step 2: Search for Scholarships in Multiple Places Discover scholarships that are perfect for you Step 3: Begin Your Applications Early Construct complete and timely scholarship applications Step 4: Write a Compelling Essay Craft an essay that makes your application stand out Step 5: Ask Early and Nicely for a Recommendation Letter Choose the right person to make readers take notice Step 6: Say Thank You Show your appreciation to everyone who helped you afford college

3 Start your Journey: Follow these Steps to Score Money for College College is often described as a journey. You start as a freshman, maybe unsure of what you want to study, where your biology class is, or if you ll like your new roommate. After several years of hard work, you graduate, confident and ready for your future. What family or friends may forget to praise you for is the journey of applying, choosing and making college financially possible. When choosing a college, there are likely many factors that will inform your decision. The process may start with thinking about how near or far you want to be from home. For others, their decision is narrowed down by schools that have a competitve edge based on GPA or standardized test scores. Still others enroll in a college with a strong major or program that they hope to pursue. Whatever is first priority for you, consider the financial impact of each college or university: scholarships that cover tuition, out-of-state costs, Federal Work- Study and much more. Although several factors may influence your decision, it s important to sit down and think about your how your college priorities match up with what you can afford. P3

4 For many students, funding their college education may be as large of a challenge as their studies; it can be easy to feel overwhelmed when seeking and applying for financial aid. Luckily, we ve broken the process into six steps that can lessen the confusion and fear surrounding financial aid. First, apply for federal student aid to find out how much government assistance you are eligible to receive. Second, search for scholarships that are right for you. Third, construct and complete outstanding scholarship applications that will set you apart from the rest of the applicant pool. Fourth, craft a compelling scholarship essay that will be sure to grab your reader s attention. Fifth, ask the right person to write a recommendation letter for you. And lastly, say thank you for any and all assistance you received in making your postsecondary education dreams a reality. Although we don t promise a magic formula that will guarantee 100 percent funding, following these steps ensures that you get organized and started on the path toward college success. P2

5 P5 How to Afford College

6 Step 1: Fill out the FAFSA Adapted from The Scholarship Coach, U.S. News & World Report The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form filled out annually by current and prospective college students to determine if they are eligible for student aid from the federal government. Filling out the FAFSA is where your college financing begins it is the most important thing you can do to get your hands on need-based money to pay for college. Filing is free and unless you apply, you will never know how much assistance you may be eligible to receive. If you don t, it could cost you thousands in grants, work-study, low-interest federal loans and need-based scholarships. Filling out the FAFSA can be somewhat complicated. But don t let that deter you from applying. Instead, lower your stress level by taking heed of the following advice. Use one of three means to submit your FAFSA. You can submit online, via a printable PDF, or using a paper FAFSA form. More than 98 percent of FAFSA applications are submitted online. We recommend filling out the online version of the FAFSA for three reasons: 1. There s a built-in guide to help you complete the application. 2. Skip logic automatically skips questions that aren t applicable to you. 3. The schools that you wish to receive your FAFSA information will get results faster. If you decide to apply online, make sure you go to their official website. Remember, you should never pay to submit your FAFSA. If you d rather not submit your FAFSA online, download a PDF copy or call FED-AID to request that a paper copy be mailed to you. Apply for a Personal Identification Number (PIN). You can use your PIN to electronically sign your FAFSA online. This is the fastest way to submit your form. If you re a dependent, at least one of your parents will also need to apply for a PIN to sign the FAFSA electronically. You can use your PIN immediately to sign your FAFSA. You can also use your PIN to access your Student Aid Report online, make corrections to your FAFSA or complete P6

7 a FAFSA renewal next year (you ll just need to wait up to three days after issuance for verification of your name, date of birth, and Social Security number by the Social Security Administration). Tip: Hang on to your PIN! You ll need it in the future. Complete the FAFSA on the Web worksheet. For efficiency s sake, sit down (with your parents, if you re a dependent) and gather all of the necessary documents before filling out your FAFSA. Use the FAFSA on the Web worksheet to help you get organized. Tip: Determine whether or not you re a dependent, by visiting this website: You won t be submitting this worksheet; it s simply an organizational tool to make filling out the FAFSA easier. After you fill out the worksheet, you ll be ready to sit down at your computer to insert all the information quickly. Fill out your FAFSA. You ll be given the opportunity to pre-fill the application with information you ve entered previously, if you ve completed a FAFSA in the past. Otherwise, complete sections 1 through 4 using your FAFSA on the Web worksheet; this should make filling out the FAFSA fast and easy! Find identification numbers. Where do you plan on applying to college? Make sure you gather all of the identification numbers for those schools so your FAFSA results will be automatically sent to those colleges. Calculate total earnings and tax return amounts. If you re filling out the FAFSA online, the online application will automatically calculate your total applicable earnings and tax return amounts. If you re using a paper form, you ll need to calculate this by hand. Follow the directions. See the directions on the website for online submission, or mail in your paper application to the appropriate address listed on your application. After your application has been processed, your FAFSA results will be submitted to the schools to which you re applying. Colleges will use your results to determine your remaining financial need and whether you qualify for any need-based scholarships. P7

8 Step 2: Search for Scholarships in Multiple Places Adapted from The Scholarship Coach, U.S. News & World Report One of the most crucial questions for any scholarship seeker is also one of the most basic: Where do I start? As with many queries in the scholarship world, there are different answers for different students; the options below provide a few ways to get through applicant s block and start finding scholarships that fit your unique circumstances. Search engines. For many people, I need information is almost always mentally followed by I ll Google it. When searching for scholarships, a good search engine is your best place to start. You can get more specific than Google, too; there are a ton of scholarship search engines out there, including the very thorough online databases at Fastweb, CollegeNet, and the College Board. We previously looked in-depth at five major search engines, so find the one that fits your style and personality and start looking. (And remember that you should never have to pay to set up a profile or conduct searches.) Resource sites. Scholarship search engines are great for finding scholarships by location, field of study and focus; if you re more of a browser, or if you re looking for a big-picture view of scholarships and other financial aid, you may want to bookmark a handful of sites that provide overviews, timelines and resources. The federal government s site is essential reading for every student and parent. GetSchooled.com, Unigo and Zinch provide great expert and peer advice on scholarships and more. Social media. Social sites have become increasingly indispensable resources for scholarship seekers, and it s easy to incorporate your search into your daily routine. Our lists of essential Twitter follows are great places to start, and you should also keep an eye on social media posts from schools, companies and nonprofit organizations that fit with your interests. P8

9 Not only do these groups post scholarship opportunities, but you ll also be able to keep up on the issues and topics they re covering, making you a more knowledgeable applicant. And, of course, The Scholarship Coach and the other blogs in the U.S. News Education network are a great way to stay informed! Schools. Wherever you are on your educational path, no place wants to see you succeed more than your current and future schools and that makes them perfect resources to turn to for answers to your scholarship questions. Your high school guidance office, your college admissions representative and your undergrad or graduate adviser can all point you in the right direction; their experience can help you prioritize your applications as well. Outside office hours, you can get online help from your school s own website. Many schools have webpages dedicated to scholarships for prospective students and current undergrads. Community. As we ve mentioned before, even the best Web searches and the most thorough advisers can t find every scholarship, so it can be lucrative to do a little extra leg work in your own backyard. Take your search offline and check the coupon section of your Sunday newspaper and bulletin boards outside the guidance counselor and financial aid offices. Professional organizations and community groups including Rotary and Elks groups, the Boys & Girls Clubs, Dollars for Scholars and churches are reliable providers of awards to local students, but you may have to attend an event to learn about the scholarship, or pick up an application in person. In addition, don t forget to have your parents and other family members check with their employers (and check with your own, if you have a job). Thousands of workplaces offer employee or children-of-employee scholarships as a way to give back to their communities. However you start your search, we d encourage you to take advantage of each of these options at some point. There truly is no single magic trick to finding scholarships, but keeping an eye on all of these areas will help ensure you don t miss a thing. P9

10 Step 3: Begin your Applications Early Adapted from The Scholarship Coach, U.S. News & World Report Once you have gathered the scholarships you would like to apply for, it s time to get down to the business of filling out those applications. Thankfully, Scholarship America s Scholarship Management Services division which has been evaluating scholarship applications for over 35 years offers valuable advice to consider. Remember, no single thing will make an application stand out. If you follow these suggestions, however, your application will surely be noticed for its completeness and professional presentation. Be prepared: Keep a notebook throughout high school (or even earlier) of all your school, volunteer and community activities so you have a handy reference. Along with the notebook, keep a file of commendations, letters of recognition and award certificates. Read and follow instructions carefully. Before you start, read through all application materials, including the description, eligibility criteria, application form, instructions and deadlines. Make sure you fit the eligibility requirements. Brainstorm your qualifications/experiences with a friend, parent, teacher or mentor. Others can remind you of experiences or achievements you may have forgotten about or regarded as unimportant. REMEMBER: Although most scholarships seek students with good, moral character, a scholarship application is not a time to be humble. Don t underplay your success or contribution! This is where a third party s opinion can come in handy. Lastly, if you have any questions regarding requested information, call or contact the provider for clarification. However, don t probe the provider for advice on what you can do to increase your application s chances. P10

11 Be complete. Complete all sections of the application legibly and provide essays and supporting documents in the requested format. Neatness is key and appreciated by the reviewer! Report all test scores for consideration. Include all activities, awards and honors that apply. If questionable, go ahead and include the information, as the reviewer can only consider what is on the application. Paid work experience can be valuable, so include that information on your application as well. If you are applying online and submitting your responses electronically, slow down and double check your entries for accuracy. We see more careless errors and typos on electronically submitted applications than on paper. Use standard capitalization; do not use text-message abbreviations. Consider your electronic application a formal, professional document. Be careful. Allow ample time to complete the application thoroughly and to review, proof and revise it before sending, and have someone else review, proof and check the application and supporting materials for accuracy and completeness. Be on time: If your recommender or school sends any documents separately, make sure they are also sent on time. Send required information only; do not include unnecessary materials such as photos, binders, decorated portfolios and documents that were not requested. Send in the application on time and in one neat package. Avoid sending materials piecemeal because this will make it more difficult for the reviewer to collate your information and it could even disqualify your application. Following these tips will ensure a complete and professional looking application that, when coupled with a well-crafted essay and glowing recommendation letter, is sure to set you apart as a qualified, deserving candidate. P11

12 Step 4: Write a Compelling Essay Adapted from The Scholarship Coach, U.S. News & World Report It s not easy to separate your scholarship application from the crowd. After all, even if you fit the criteria to a T, you re still likely to be one of a number of applicants with similar grades, goals, activities and aspirations. That s where a great application essay comes in. The essay is your best chance to make the case for why you should receive the scholarship; it helps the scholarship provider learn about the person behind the application and what sets you apart from other applicants. If you use them right, those few paragraphs can help your application stand out and could mean the difference between getting a thanks for applying and an award check. Of course, putting so much emphasis on an essay may make it seem like a daunting task, especially if you don t consider yourself a great writer. By following these four tips, just about anyone can create a standout essay. Know your audience. Although we re looking at scholarship essays as a whole, it s important to realize that every scholarship provider is looking for a specific student who meets unique criteria. When you get your application, look closely at the questions, the organization giving the scholarship, and any past recipients you can find. Are they emphasizing classroom performance? Looking for someone who has dealt with adversity at home? Interested in character or community service more than grades? Whatever the answer, your research will put you a step ahead of applicants who are copying and pasting one-size-fits-all essays. If the scholarship application doesn t call for a specific essay topic, speak on what is important to you, what you are passionate about and what might set you apart from other candidates. P12

13 Plan far in advance. Begin your research and planning a week or so before you think you should, and you ll be able to take enough time to turn out something great. This will also give you time to craft an outline, which can help your essay stay concise and on target. Think of two or three main points you want to make in response to the essay question, add some supporting information under each of them, and consider a sentence or two of introduction and conclusion. Before you know it, you ll have built the structure and thesis of your essay, and you won t have to rush to write it. Make it personal and passionate. When you do start writing, don t forget that the main purpose of your essay is to convince the scholarship provider that you re the student they ve been looking for. Answer the questions you ve set out in your outline, but make sure every point you make is illustrated with a specific detail that shows you care about the subject. Don t just mention that you work with disadvantaged kids; tell them how your love of soccer got you into coaching those kids. Don t just tell them about your acting awards; show how the stage helped you conquer your shyness. Putting your unique interests and perspectives on the page will go a very long way toward creating a memorable essay. Find an editor. Last but not least, make sure you have time to run your essay by a good editor, whether it s a parent, teacher or grammar-nerd friend. Even a well-researched and passionately written essay can be derailed by spelling mistakes or awkward sentences, and if you ve spent a lot of time looking at your words, it s easy to miss basic mistakes. A few minutes of proofreading by a trusted editor can make a huge difference. Reading your essay out loud to yourself can also be a great way to proofread make sure you like the way it flows and that the tone is correct for the message you are trying to send. P13

14 Step 5: Ask for a Recommendation Letter Adapted from The Scholarship Coach, U.S. News & World Report Many scholarship programs will ask applicants to submit one or more letters of recommendation along with their completed application. Recommendation letters can help fill in the gaps between the information you provide about yourself (such as your grades and extracurricular activities) and why you are uniquely qualified to earn top scholarship dollars. Getting the right letters of recommendation could make all the difference between a top award, a smaller award or even no scholarship at all. To make sure your recommendation distinguishes you as a strong candidate, keep a few things in mind: Choose the right person. The first step to getting great letters of recommendation is to select the right people to write them for you. The best recommendations come from people who know you well and with whom you ve worked closely. Teachers, employers and coaches are excellent choices, as are people you ve volunteered with and members of your clergy. Other considerations include: Select people relevant to the application: To help you select the right person for each scholarship, write a list of the qualities that make you eligible for the scholarship award and look for individuals who know you best in terms of those qualities. Select people who write well: It s important that letters of recommendation are well written. However, it may be difficult to know if, for example, your soccer coach or math teacher writes well. When asking the person to write a letter for you, not only ask if they would like to, but also if they feel comfortable doing so. Select people who are enthusiastic: Great letters of recommendation will be written by people who are enthusiastic about you and your abilities and who have the time and willingness to write a letter for your application. Don t wait until the last minute. Teachers and administrators are busy, especially in the spring. A lot of work has to get done before the end of the school year rolls around and several other students P14

15 may be asking that same administrator for a recommendation letter. Ask as early as possible. It is recommended that you ask your recommender five to six weeks prior to the due date. By giving your teacher or adviser plenty of time to write, you ll be more likely to get a letter that is well thought out, organized and professional not to mention handed in on time. Ask nicely. Even if you see this person on a daily or weekly basis, it s important that you send a formal, written request via or ask them in person. Include the instructions for completing your recommendation, especially any specifically outlined or requested by the scholarship. When all the information is in one place like this, it is easier to save. Many programs allow users to flag messages and set reminders; if your recommenders choose to use these features, they ll have everything in one place when they re ready to sit down and write. Say thank you. We recommend thanking your recommender formally, preferably with a handwritten note. Remember they took time out of their busy schedule to recommend you for a scholarship that could contribute greatly to your education and potential career path. If you re lucky enough to receive the scholarship, be sure to tell them and thank them again.

16 Step 6: Say Thank you Adapted from The Scholarship Coach, U.S. News & World Report If you ve recently received a scholarship award letter, it means you ve done a whole bunch of things right: from your grades to your after-school activities to getting your scholarship application materials in on time. But there s one more thing to do: Write a thank you letter. Just as you would thank someone who gave you a birthday or graduation gift, you should thank the person or organization who awarded your scholarship. Scholarship dollars should be treated as the gift they are. Scholarship sponsors want to know that their gift to you is appreciated. Stuck on how to get started? Here is a simple outline to help you out. Get out your stationery. A hand-written note shows you were really touched by the gift, so touched that you want to thank your benefactor in a personal way. While hand-written is best, a typed letter signed by you is a good choice (especially if your handwriting isn t the greatest). Stay away from if possible; if you can t, make sure your is warm and appropriately personal (see number 4, below). Properly address the letter. If you received a scholarship from your parents place of business, consider addressing the letter to the president of the company. The same holds true if your scholarship was from another company in the community, whose scholarships are open to all students. For scholarships awarded by community foundations, alumni associations or nonprofit groups such as Dollars for Scholars, address your letter to the executive director, board chairman or president whichever is the top title in that organization. Once you ve found the appropriate name and address, a simple salutation is best: Dear Ms. Jones followed by a comma. If you can t find the person s name, it is acceptable to substitute Dear [name of organization or scholarship] selection committee followed by a comma. P16

17 Start simple. Thank you for the [name of] scholarship is the best possible beginning. Be personal. In your thank-you letter, tell the scholarship sponsor what the award means to you. If it s enough to cover books for a semester, include that. If it means you won t have to work a part-time job (so you ll be able to spend more time on your studies), tell them. If you are the first person in your family to attend college, or if the gift will allow you to attend your first-choice school, for example, include that information. The more you can illustrate the importance of this scholarship award to you, the better. The scholarship sponsors want to see the impact of their financial investment in your future. Write legibly and spell everything correctly. You might consider drafting your letter before putting it on stationery, to ensure that you have enough room to write what you want to say. Use proper grammar and usage no slang terms. If you re comfortable, allow the scholarship sponsor to share your letter. Sharing your letter with others enables the sponsor to better demonstrate the reasons why scholarship programs are important. At Scholarship America, we share students stories (with permission from the students) to illustrate to prospective donors why they should consider making a financial contribution to a scholarship program. Hearing from you why your scholarship matters is much more compelling than hearing dry statistics and facts. Example: Please feel free to share my thanks and my story with others in your organization, including publications and online. I would be honored to help you raise more funds for more students. End with another simple thank you. Go ahead, repeat yourself. The person receiving your hand-written thank you letter won t mind. Sign it. Sign your name after using the closing word or phrase that feels right to you (i.e., Sincerely, Best regards, Most sincerely, etc.). P17

18 Follow these six steps, and you ll feel more prepared and confident in your journey to fund your college education. Affording college may not be easy, but with hard work and determination, it can be achievable and within your reach.