1. Now that I’ve applied to college… how do I pay for it?  Grants and scholarships – money that you do not have to pay back  Work-Study – your college can help you find a part-time job on or off campus –  Loans – money that you borrow that must be repaid with interest – you should always take out federal loans first – VERY low interest rates !

2. What you need to know ~  Deadline dates  Private colleges set their OWN deadlines – make sure you check individual college websites – most will be due in early 2009, typically in January or February  Public universities in California use March 2 nd as a deadline

3. What do I need to file?  FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid (can begin to file on 1/1/12)  The first step in the financial aid process  Use it to apply for federal student aid, such as grants, loans, and work-study  Most states and colleges use the FAFSA to award non-federal aid  Private AND public colleges use FAFSA to figure out your financial aid package

4. What can I do before 1/1/12 regarding the FAFSA?  You can apply for your PIN at www.pin.ed.gov before beginning your FAFSA www.pin.ed.gov  Since the FAFSA has parent information required, one parent needs to apply for a PIN (their own) at www.pin.ed.gov www.pin.ed.gov  You can consult with private college financial aid offices if you have special circumstances!

5. And, once you’re enrolled in college….  You will have a chance to re-apply for more financial aid consideration….so do know that financial support will be available to you AFTER you enter college, too!  Don’t miss any deadlines – and see your college counselor with any questions!

6. FAFSA – continued  What is the EFC?  Expected Family Contribution –  Your answers on the FAFSA help determine what your family can contribute for your college expenses  How do I find out what my EFC is?  FAFSA sends you a Student Aid Report (SAR) after you fill it out; on the SAR is listed your Expected Family Contribution

7. How do colleges know my financial need?  You will list your colleges on the FAFSA form and they will electronically receive your information – including the Expected Family Contribution.  Financial need is the difference between your EFC and your college’s cost of attendance (which can include living expenses).

8. When do I hear about my scholarship/financial aid?  Typically you will hear about the same time you hear about admissions.  Financial aid is ‘paid’ to you through the college, so your award will go directly to tuition and room and board fees.

9. What is the PROFILE?  The PROFILE is a service of the College Board.  Colleges (private) use the information to help them award private grant and scholarship funds.  Not every college uses the PROFILE – a list is available on-line at www.collegeboard.com – click on Pay for College – and then CSS/PROFILE www.collegeboard.com

10. PROFILE, continued  The PROFILE adds more information about your financial situation (remember, the FAFSA is required for ALL post- secondary institutions if you are applying for aid)  You can provide explanations about special circumstances so that decisions about $$$ are made with as much information as possible.

11. When should I file the PROFILE?  You can register for the PROFILE right now – at www.collegeboard.com. Click CSS/PROFILE under “Pay for College” www.collegeboard.com  After you register, you will be able to fill out your application for those colleges that REQUIRE the PROFILE (Santa Clara does, for example; St. Mary’s in Moraga does not)

12. Check the following:  Naviance, under Scholarships, for local and national scholarships  www.fastweb.com – create a free account for yourself for weekly scholarship updates www.fastweb.com  College counseling e-mails on the Notre Dame site since we send out notices weekly with scholarship opportunities