Financial Aid Advisor

by Christina Mayo
(Merced, Ca. )

I have been a Financial Aid Advisor in California for the past 13 years, and like Luis, was able to utilize scholarships to complete my education. Fist, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)is the stepping stone for ALL aid. Financial Aid is grants and scholarships = free money, and student/parent loans = what we are expected to contribute to our education, and work study. All of it is financial aid. Even if you feel you may not qualify, take the time to submit by your FAFSA by your State's priority deadline. (If you miss the deadline, still file your FAFSA, and speak to your Financial Aid office to see if there may be an Appeal for aid consideration). I have seen too many families that may not have initially qualified, and then a loss of family income, or special circumstance has occurred; and if they had completed the FAFSA by the deadline, they could have received up to $15,000 in scholarship aid in some cases. Do your FAFSA! Also, pay attention to the checklist for the scholarship you are applying for. If it asks for it, turn it in. Never open transcripts if the scholarship requires "Official" transcripts. Once you open them, then are now unofficial, and it may take some time to re-request another transcript. Sign up for list services. You will receive a notification of new scholarships that are available. SCHOLARSHIPS ARE ALWAYS FREE TO APPLY FOR! Never give your account number or pay to apply for a scholarship. Those are scam services, and you would end up paying more money then what you may qualify for. Once you are awarded a scholarship, make sure to send in your Proof of Enrollment as soon as you register. Failure to do so may delay your disbursement. Contact your Financial Aid Office, meet your deadlines and submit your requirements on time. Allow the Financial Aid Office to handle your award, so you can concentrate on your studies.