Financial Aid Scams
Red flags should go up if you are ever asked to pay anything for financial aid such as scholarships or grants. Scholarships and grants are FREE. Never pay anyone to find a scholarship or grant for you - you can visit your school counselor for free to get information and search the web for info for free. Save your money and run the other way if anyone or any company wants you to pay for a scholarship or grant. Remember that no one can ever guarantee you a scholarship or grant.
IMPORTANT ENOUGH TO REPEAT - If are asked or required to pay money for a scholarship or grant through the mail, internet, or elsewhere, it is more than likley a scam - please run the other way - fast.
The final responsibility to seach for and apply for the college or the university of your choice and the scholarships/grants needed to pay for it resides entirely with you (the student).
Pay close attention to all types of application deadlines - none of the above are forgiving when it comes to missing deadlines.
Educational Sites
ACT
SAT
Federal Pell
Grant Program
FAFSA - Free Application for Federal
Student Aid
About
Student financial aid refers to funding intended to help students pay educational expenses including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, etc. for education at a college, university, or private school. General governmental funding for public education is not called financial aid, which refers to awards to specific individual students. Certain governments, e.g. Nordic countries, provide student benefit. A scholarship is sometimes used as a synonym for a financial aid award, although grants and student loans are also components of financial aid packages from students intended colleges.
Financial aid may be classified into two types based on the criteria through which the financial aid is awarded: merit-based or need-based.
Merit-based scholarships include both scholarships awarded by the individual college or university and those awarded by outside organizations. Merit-based scholarships are typically awarded for outstanding academic achievements and minimum SAT or ACT scores , although some merit scholarships can be awarded for special talents, leadership potential and other personal characteristics. Scholarships may also be given because of group affiliation (such as YMCA, Boys Club, etc.). Merit scholarships are sometimes awarded without regard for the financial need of the applicant. At many colleges, every admitted student is automatically considered for merit scholarships. At other schools, however, a separate application process is required.
Athletic scholarships are a form of merit aid that take athletic talent into account.
Need-based financial aid is awarded on the basis of the financial need of the student. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is generally used for determining federal, state, and institutional need-based aid eligibility. At private institutions, a supplemental application may be necessary for institutional need-based aid.
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