Resources for High School Students
We've compiled information to help you prepare for college, including tips on registering for and taking the ACT, finding and applying to colleges and scholarships and what to do about loans and the FAFSA.
These resources are intended for anyone interested in college, regardless of whether or not they are part of the College Possible program.
The steps you should complete are listed in order below. Click on a step to find more resources. Good luck!
5. Apply for financial aid
College can be very expensive, but there is financial aid available. To access this aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is a form that you fill out and send to the United States Department of Education. Then they calculate your eligibility for grants, loans and general financial aid and send this information to you and your college in the form of a Student Aid Report (SAR).
You can fill out the FAFSA online through the Department of Education website. You cannot submit a FAFSA application until after January 1st of your senior year, but it is recommended that you do so as soon as possible after January 1st. Ideally, it should be submitted before April 1st.
If you need help filling out your FAFSA, College Goal Sunday offers FREE workshops across the United States between February 1 and May 1 each year. Visit their website to learn more.
Loans will likely make up part of your financial aid. For the most part, the financial aid office at your school can help you find loans. If you need extra help, visit the loan section of The SmartStudent(TM) Guide to Financial Aid or Xap.
To estimate your financial need or your eligibility for financial aid, follow these links to calculators at The SmartStudent(TM) Guide to Financial Aid, Xap or C3 Apply.
For help with all the terms, visit Xap's Glossary of Financial Aid Terms.
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