One of the biggest factors for most students in determining where to go to college is the cost of attendance and how much financial aid is offered. If you decide to go to a public university, chances are that you will have access to an institutional scholarship (money that comes from the university you are attending). But how exactly do you get access to all that free money? Below are six steps that will help you to maximize financial aid at public institutions.
1. Apply early
With the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) financial aid is first come, first served. This is true whether you’re going to a public university or not. Additionally, many universities have an early financial aid application deadline, often called a priority deadline, for their institutional scholarships. Finally, when you apply early, you give yourself some slack in case there’s a problem with your application, so you’ll have time to correct it and still make the final deadline.
2. Check and double-check your deadlines
While applying early might be ideal, remember that your college or university will not make an exception for you if you’re late. Make sure you know what your deadlines are and that you are applying by the right ones (i.e., versus Regular Decision) to make the most of the financial aid your university has to offer. For example, at UMass Boston, the spring semester priority FAFSA filing deadline for new and transfer students is November 1 of the year before they plan to attend. And if you don’t turn in your application—and all its parts—on time, you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of free money.
Related: What You Need to Know About Institutional Aid and Scholarships
3. Turn in all the necessary paperwork
In high school, you have people constantly reminding you to do things, from parents to teachers to school counselors. This isn’t the case when dealing with college admission and financial aid. At most colleges, the individuals who award financial aid are overseeing many more people than anyone did at your high school. They don’t have time to babysit you through every step of the process, so make sure you are on top of every form that needs submitted. But don’t let that deter you from reaching out. They may be too busy to chase you down, but they’re not too busy to answer questions you may have for them.
4. Get help with your writing
Schools will often require an essay, résumé, and/or other written proof that you’re deserving of the money for which you are applying—not often for loans but almost always for scholarships. Let others (e.g., your English teacher, school counselor, etc.) read your work and offer edits and suggestions. Find someone who knows you well enough to help you put your best foot forward. And don’t assume your scholarship essays can be the same as your admission essay. There are often specific prompts you’ll have to respond to in regard to how your scholarship award will be used if you win.
Related: Top 6 Writing Tips for Any Assignment Ever
5. Look for other scholarship opportunities from your school
Many schools offer privately funded scholarships for individuals in certain degree programs. At Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, there are more than offered through the University. Search your school’s website, look online, and talk to financial aid and admission counselors (perhaps even faculty in your major) to leave no stone unturned.
6. Look for other financial opportunities from your state
Are there any between your school and state community colleges, where you could earn and transfer cheaper credits? Are there opportunities to attend state schools just over the border that are involved in any sort of reciprocity program? Or are there state-sponsored grants and scholarships you should be applying for? Investigate all these options!
Related: If I Don't Qualify For Merit Aid, Will Other Aid Be Available?
Whether you’re just starting off or you're well into your college search, it's important to consider the cost of attendance and the financial aid available at each institution you research. Hopefully, these six tips can help you make the most of the financial aid your college of choice has to offer.
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