If you are applying for financial aid, you need to do it as soon as possible. This allows you to plan ahead and know what your expected financial contribution will be. This way, you will be able to determine whether you should make an installment plan for tuition, and you can look for other scholarships. Take a look at what you need to know.
Tuition Installment Plans
It can be overwhelming to look at the cost of college, but when you break it down, it becomes more manageable. You do not have to pay for the year in one lump sum because you can set up an installment plan. Normally, the college will send out a tuition statement each semester, but you can ask for a monthly installment plan so that you are able to budget it into your monthly bills.
Don’t Wait to Submit Your FAFSA
It costs nothing to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and you don’t have to wait until you file your taxes. If you want to fill it out, they will let you use the prior year’s tax returns. You can also estimate the tax for the current year. This is important because you should get this submitted as soon as possible. You will have to make a decision more quickly, and you can better plan for the cost of college.
Submit the CSS Profile
Many people don’t know about the CSS Profile, which is required by around 300 private colleges for school-based scholarships. There is a $25 application fee, and you will need to pay $16 for each additional school that you send it to. If you don’t submit this form on time, many of these colleges will deny you the funding you could be eligible for. Make sure that you find out if you need to fill it out.
You Have to Accept School-Based Scholarships
When you apply to colleges, you won’t automatically receive scholarships. You need to indicate on your application that you want to be considered, and you may need to fill out additional forms. Make sure that you pay attention and meet necessary deadlines if you want to be considered.