Scholarships

Applying

100

Where can you find scholarships?

1. State & Government Programs

2. Schools & Colleges Financial Aid Offices

3. Private & Industry-Specific Scholarships

4. Online Scholarship Search Tools

200

Are there eligibility requirements?

Yes;

 ✔ Age, residency, GPA, financial need, or specific trade programs
✔ Some require community service, extracurriculars, or work experience 

300

When should you apply?

Summer before your senior year, start researching scholarships.

• Fall – Winter (August–December): Apply for major national, state, and college-specific scholarships. Many deadlines fall between October and March.
• Spring (January–April): Continue applying for local scholarships. Some deadlines extend into April or May.

400

What is one of the documents that are usually required? 

• Essay or Personal Statement (customize for each scholarship!)
• Transcripts (high school or college)
• Letters of Recommendation (from teachers, employers, or mentors)
• Resume (highlight work experience, skills, and achievements)
• Proof of Enrollment or Acceptance (if already admitted to a school)

500

What is the best way to keep up with scholarships? 

Create a Scholarship Spreadsheet (Google Sheets or Excel)

Track key details, such as:
✔ Scholarship Name
✔ Website/Source
✔ Deadline
✔ Amount
✔ Requirements (Essay, GPA, etc.)
✔ Status (Applied, Pending, Won, Not Selected)

Tuition

100

What is the main requirement to receive federal financial aid?

Have a high school diploma or a GED certificate

200

What does tuition include?

• Fees: Lab, technology, or student activity fees can add up
• Room & Board: Housing and meal plans may cost as much as tuition
• Books & Supplies: Can range from $500 to over $1,500 per year
• Personal & Transportation Expenses: Gas, public transit, and daily living costs

300

In-State vs. Out-of-State

• Attending college in your home state is often significantly cheaper
• Some states have tuition exchange programs to help students pay in-state rates elsewhere

400

Where can a student go to request a refund?

The Financial Aid Office or The Office of the Bursar

500

Alternative Ways to Save on Tuition

• Community College First: Start at a community college and transfer to a 4-year school
• AP, IB, & Dual Enrollment Credits: Earn college credit in high school
• Military & Employer Tuition Assistance: Some jobs or military service cover tuition costs

Loans

100

What are the minimum credit requirements to receive Federal Aid?

12 credits per semester

200

What is the initial financial aid offer based on?

determining your cost of attendance

300

What types of aid can be used to pay a past-due balance?

college grants, scholarships, or federal student loans

400

What loans are undergraduate students eligible for?

Federal Student Loans (Best Option)

Private Student Loans 

State-Based Loans & Institutional Loans  

500

What order of loans is best?

First: Apply for grants & scholarships (free money!)

Second: Take Subsidized Loans (no interest while in school)

Third: Use Unsubsidized Loans (interest starts immediately)

Last Resort: Consider Private Loans or Parent PLUS Loans

Fafsa

100

What does FAFSA stand for

Free Application for Federal Student Aid

200

It is what you are expected to pay based on your parent's income.

EFC (Estimated Family Contribution)

300

All males aged 18–25 must register with ________________ when filling out the FAFSA

Selective Service System 

What is the Selective Service?

• It’s a system that requires young men to register in case of a future military draft.
• There is no active draft, but registration is still required for federal aid eligibility.

400

The summary of your FAFSA application you get when you finish filling out the FAFSA is?

SAR (Student Aid Report)

500

How do you get your SAR?

Studentaid.gov or by an email notification