HOW TO PAY FOR COLLEGE YOUR GUIDE TO PAYING FOR COLLEGE You’ve found the right college—now let’s figure out how to pay for it! We will walk you through the steps to apply for scholarships and financial aid.
UNLOCK FREE MONEY WITH SCHOLARSHIPS
SET UP YOUR FEDERAL STUDENT AID ACCOUNT Ready to apply for financial aid? Start by creating your Federal Student Aid account at StudentAid.gov . Both you and a parent will need one—it’s your key to accessing and signing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Create your account early to avoid delays in completing your FAFSA. Talk to your school counselor or EducationQuest if you need guidance. APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID Unlock financial aid by completing the FAFSA at StudentAid.gov . This application connects you to federal, state, and college-based financial aid. HERE’S HOW TO STAY ON TRACK: Start Early: Submit your FAFSA in the fall of your senior year—and every year you’re in college. Use Helpful Tools: Visit eqf.org/FAFSAtools for a FAFSA Checklist and other resources to simplify the process. List All Colleges You’re Interested In: Schools you include will use your FAFSA to determine your aid. Submit the form by their priority deadlines for the best offers. Check Your Summary: After filing, look for your FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) via your Federal Student Aid Account at StudentAid.gov . It will include your Student Aid Index (SAI) and next steps. Colleges use the SAI to determine financial aid eligibility, so review your summary carefully.
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Use free tools to discover scholarships tailored to you! Check with your school counselor, the college(s) you are interested in, ScholarshipQuest at eqf.org/SQ , or other reliable scholarship search sites as shown at eqf.org/scholarshiptips . ORGANIZE YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS Build an Activities Resume at eqf.org/ActResume . It’s an easy way to keep track of your activities, honors, and awards—all in one place! MAKE A PLAN List all scholarships you’re eligible for and prioritize them. Start with the toughest applications and always meet the deadlines—no exceptions! SECURE STRONG RECOMMENDATIONS Ask trusted adults who know you well to write your recommendation letters. Share details about the scholarship, give them a clear deadline, and allow plenty of time to prepare.
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