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 the Tack Room
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Tips & Tools for Bronco Success from Brookwood High School Counseling
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Estimating Federal Aid for College |
A MESSAGE FROM HEAD COUNSELOR CARY KENNEDY
February 2, 2012
Greetings!
In this tough economy, parents of students are increasingly wondering how to make college possible for their kids. Very few families will pay for college educations with money from a single source. The overwhelming majority will combine parent savings with small scholarships, loans, student part-time jobs and, one of the largest sources, federal aid.
For 2011-12, the U.S. Department of Education's federal student aid programs will provide more than $150 billion in aid to more than 14 million students. The Department of Education offers three major types of aid: 1) Grants that do not have to repaid, 2) Loans that must be repaid with interest, and 3) Work-study that provides income from a part-time job. At its simplest level, federal financial aid can help cover the difference between what your family is able to pay for college and the reality of what college actually costs.
Now is the time for seniors and their parents to apply using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Applications for the fall of 2012 can be submitted through www.fafsa.gov until June 30. Filling out the FAFSA is always free. There are many privately operated scholarship search and financial aid advice services, but these services can be expensive and are not necessary. Free help with the application is available via a live online chat with customer service reps. As an added benefit, seniors have essentially applied for the HOPE Scholarship when they submit the FAFSA application. There is no additional paperwork required.
You don't need to wait until your child is a senior to get an idea of the amount of federal aid you can expect. Using another free online tool, underclassmen and their parents can get early estimates of the federal aid available to them using the FAFSA4caster. This tool is helpful for anyone who is not yet ready to file an official FAFSA.
This video from a recent Today Show broadcast offers some tips for maximizing financial aid.
If you have additional questions about FAFSA, you may contact Donna Varzaly in the college and career room in the counseling office.
Sincerely,
Cary
P.S. The latest Senior Bulletin and Junior Bulletin list all sorts of opportunities for students, including scholarships, internships and jobs.
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Highlighted Opportunities & Deadlines for Seniors
DeVry University's HerWorld
March 29 from 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., female juniors and seniors are invited to an event that will help prepare them for college, inspire them to reach their career aspirations and introduce them to careers in science, technology, engineering and math. The event will be held at the Downtown Decatur Marriott Courtyard. There is no cost to attend, although online registration is required. Students are encouraged to invite their parents. Applications are available online. Deadline: March 16.
Better Business Bureau of Atlanta Student of Integrity Scholarships
Six $1,000 scholarships will be awarded. The entry is based on four categories:
- Leadership Skills (Extracurricular Activities).
- Community Service.
- Academic Achievement.
- Essay.
Applications and complete information can be obtained on the BBB website. Deadline: Completed applications must be submitted by February 6.
KFC Colonel's Scholars Program Awards are up to $20,000 for tuition, fees, textbooks, room and board. Criteria: Senior on-track to graduate, minimum GPA of 2.75, enrolled in public college or university in Georgia, plan to pursue a bachelor's degree, U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and demonstrated financial need. Applications are available online. Deadline: February 8.
Savannah College of Art and Design Distinguished Scholars Award
This prestigious scholarship is worth $20,000 per year and may be renewed annually if the recipient maintains a 3.0 GPA and attends SCAD in Atlanta, Hong Kong, Savannah or online via eLearning. In order to be considered for this award, students must be recommended by a teacher or counselor. Criteria: minimum 1220 SAT (math/critical reading) or ACT composite of 27, GPA 3.75, outstanding visual arts, performing arts, writing or equestrian capabilities, honors and awards from competitions or other recognition, leadership skills demonstrated through co-curricular or extracurricular involvement. To nominate a student, a teacher or counselor should email the following information: student's name, school, teacher/counselor's name and position, brief statement (100 words or less) explaining why you are nominating the student. Deadline: Nominations must be sent electronically before February 15.
Regions Riding Forward Scholarship
In honor of Black History Month, Regions is proud to offer the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Essay Contest. Twenty-five $5,000 scholarships will be awarded to high school students. To enter, write a 500-word essay about an African-American, past or present, who has inspired you. More details online. Deadline: February 29. |
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