Planning for college can be a little overwhelming to say the least. Most advice you get will tell you to start your financial aid search early. With a little advice, you can stay ahead of your deadlines and maximize your chances of getting more money for college.
Typically you should begin thinking about applying for school and for scholarships before and during your senior year of high school.
August Before Your Senior Year
This is the time to start requesting school applications and
financial aid applications. Be sure you read Where the
Scholarships Are and Application Tips before you begin this
process.
September of Your Senior Year
Google
Enter your search terms
Submit search form
Financial Aid Calendar
This is when you should sit down with your school guidance counselor to look at your different options. Your counselor can
help you develop a plan that can get you into the school you want. You will also want to do a search for scholarship
opportunities in your area of study.
You should also begin to gather your list of required information applicable to most applications. The list can be found here.
October
Many scholarships and schools require an early submission of applications. Check the ones you are applying for to see if
this applies to you.
Submit the FAFSA forms as soon as possible.
Also remember that young men applying to the FAFSA must be registered with the Selective Service at your local post office.
November
Check your applications and be sure you have met all early registration requirements.
December
Expect that most early decision responses will be given to you sometime this month. This may also be the time that you
will receive requests for more information, etc.
Begin gathering financial documents necessary to complete loan and grant applications.
Take the SAT and ACT.
January
This is a good time to remember final financial aid deadlines. Experts recommend sending in your information as soon
after January 1 as possible.
February
This is Financial Aid Awareness Month. Schedule time with your guidance counselor to learn about financial aid fairs and
networking opportunities.
April
Take a look at your acceptances and financial aid packages. In most cases, you have until May 1 to decide, so do your
homework. Visit your top choices, weigh the options, and decide on a school!
Link source: http://www.scholarshipmoney.org/articles/calendar.html
Showing posts with label Financial Aid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Financial Aid. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Berkeley will grant paid maternity leave to women doctoral students
Berkeley is again 'on the cutting edge' of family-friendly benefits with this new policy, of special interest to an aging grad-student cohort
By Cathy Cockrell, Public Affairs | 07 March 2007
Women doctoral students at Berkeley who hold fellowships or academic appointments as graduate-student instructors or researchers will soon be eligible for six weeks' paid maternity leave under a childbirth-accommodation provision passed March 5 by the Graduate Council. The policy, which takes effect in fall 2007, builds on the campus's suite of family-accommodation measures for faculty — such as teaching-duty relief and tenure-clock stoppage for faculty parents of young children — by "pushing it down to the doctoral-student level," says Graduate Dean Mary Ann Mason.
Women Scientists' Changing Career Goals
The attrition of women from the academic pipeline, largely due to the competing demands of family and academic life, is well-documented by national and local studies. An 18-page Web survey of doctoral students (in their second year and beyond), conducted at Berkeley last fall by Mason and her longtime research collaborator, Marc Goulden, confirms these patterns. The survey looked at doctoral students' attitudes toward future careers and life issues and their satisfaction with their current degree program, with special attention to issues affecting doctoral-student parents. Of the 4,201 surveyed, 2,111 (50 percent) responded.
When entering their Ph.D. program, 46 percent of women reported wanting to pursue a career at a research university, and another 27 percent wanted positions at teaching universities. But after the first year of doctoral studies, many had changed their minds: Only 31 percent of women remained interested in a research career. "A main reason is a perceived inability to balance career and family," Mason explains. Asked to state the reasons they shifted their career goal away from "professor with research emphasis," 42 percent of women respondents (and 16 percent of men) cited issues related to children as a "very important" factor. A change of plans in light of the demands of academic life is especially pronounced in the physical sciences.
In response to another survey question, 58 percent of female and 47 percent of male doctoral students expressed dissatisfaction with their ability to balance the demands of career and life at Berkeley. This represents a general dissatisfaction among all students, not just those with children.
For student parents, achieving balance is particularly challenging. The survey found that about 12 percent of current Berkeley doctoral students, male and female, have had babies. The time they devote to studies, employment, housework, and caregiving each week — totaling more than 100 hours for women with children and more than 90 for men with children — closely mirrors the patterns reported by faculty members with children.
Family-accommodation policies for doctoral students become increasingly important, says Mason, as the graduate-student population ages. In 2005 the average age nationally for completing a Ph.D. was 33, up several years from where that benchmark stood in the mid-'80s. "The whole clock has been pushed forward," she says, "and graduate students ever more frequently are in their prime childbearing years — their late 20s, early 30s — while pursuing their degrees, so they start to really think about issues involved with forming a family."
A one-stop resource for the campus community
All UC affiliates are invited to subscribe to "UC Families," a free online resource for students, faculty, and staff who are balancing academic goals or careers with family life. Subscribers can post questions or engage in discussions on such topics as managing work and family responsibilities, planning the optimal time to start a family, finding advice on progressing academically as a student parent, returning to academia after having a baby, or advocating for flexible work arrangements.
The newsletter's website (parents.berkeley.edu/ucfamilies) links to family resources on UC campuses, UC-wide policy and benefits information, and archives of advice and discussions.
Doctoral candidate Chrysanthi Leon is one such student. She credits Berkeley's family-related accommodations and services — student-family housing, university childcare, and a grant that rewards meeting time-to-degree norms — with making it possible for her to complete her program in jurisprudence and social policy (she graduates this spring).
"I wish I had also been able to benefit from paid maternity leave," she says. "This is a wonderful accomplishment. I will push for similar accommodations for grad students in my new position as an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Delaware."
Mason notes that only a handful of universities across the country offer paid pregnancy leave for doctoral students — "so we're still on the cutting edge."
Under the new policy passed by the Academic Senate's Graduate Council and approved by Chancellor Birgeneau, a doctoral student who works as a GSI or GSR or who is supported by a fellowship will experience no change in her funding arrangements during the six-week childbearing leave. The new policy states that "those supported by fellowships external to UC must adhere to the rules of the granting agency in regard to leaves from work. If the granting agency defers to university policy regarding paid childbirth leave, the six-week leave will be paid by the grant. If the granting agency requires suspension of payment during the six-week period, the student will be eligible for substitute payment from the Childbirth Accommodation Fund."
The expectant mother may also opt to continue to work in a modified capacity during her leave, but is not required to do so. The six-week leave can be taken before or after a child's birth. Stipends for temporary hires to replace graduate-student instructors or researchers, when such funding is needed, may be charged to the campus's Childbirth Accommodation Fund upon Graduate Division approval.
A copy of the new policy — along with other policies applicable to doctoral-student parents — is online. A summary of Mason and Goulden's research on the academic pipeline and initiatives to make the academy more family- friendly is at ucfamilyedge.berkeley.edu.
By Cathy Cockrell, Public Affairs | 07 March 2007
Women doctoral students at Berkeley who hold fellowships or academic appointments as graduate-student instructors or researchers will soon be eligible for six weeks' paid maternity leave under a childbirth-accommodation provision passed March 5 by the Graduate Council. The policy, which takes effect in fall 2007, builds on the campus's suite of family-accommodation measures for faculty — such as teaching-duty relief and tenure-clock stoppage for faculty parents of young children — by "pushing it down to the doctoral-student level," says Graduate Dean Mary Ann Mason.
Women Scientists' Changing Career Goals
The attrition of women from the academic pipeline, largely due to the competing demands of family and academic life, is well-documented by national and local studies. An 18-page Web survey of doctoral students (in their second year and beyond), conducted at Berkeley last fall by Mason and her longtime research collaborator, Marc Goulden, confirms these patterns. The survey looked at doctoral students' attitudes toward future careers and life issues and their satisfaction with their current degree program, with special attention to issues affecting doctoral-student parents. Of the 4,201 surveyed, 2,111 (50 percent) responded.
When entering their Ph.D. program, 46 percent of women reported wanting to pursue a career at a research university, and another 27 percent wanted positions at teaching universities. But after the first year of doctoral studies, many had changed their minds: Only 31 percent of women remained interested in a research career. "A main reason is a perceived inability to balance career and family," Mason explains. Asked to state the reasons they shifted their career goal away from "professor with research emphasis," 42 percent of women respondents (and 16 percent of men) cited issues related to children as a "very important" factor. A change of plans in light of the demands of academic life is especially pronounced in the physical sciences.
In response to another survey question, 58 percent of female and 47 percent of male doctoral students expressed dissatisfaction with their ability to balance the demands of career and life at Berkeley. This represents a general dissatisfaction among all students, not just those with children.
For student parents, achieving balance is particularly challenging. The survey found that about 12 percent of current Berkeley doctoral students, male and female, have had babies. The time they devote to studies, employment, housework, and caregiving each week — totaling more than 100 hours for women with children and more than 90 for men with children — closely mirrors the patterns reported by faculty members with children.
Family-accommodation policies for doctoral students become increasingly important, says Mason, as the graduate-student population ages. In 2005 the average age nationally for completing a Ph.D. was 33, up several years from where that benchmark stood in the mid-'80s. "The whole clock has been pushed forward," she says, "and graduate students ever more frequently are in their prime childbearing years — their late 20s, early 30s — while pursuing their degrees, so they start to really think about issues involved with forming a family."
A one-stop resource for the campus community
All UC affiliates are invited to subscribe to "UC Families," a free online resource for students, faculty, and staff who are balancing academic goals or careers with family life. Subscribers can post questions or engage in discussions on such topics as managing work and family responsibilities, planning the optimal time to start a family, finding advice on progressing academically as a student parent, returning to academia after having a baby, or advocating for flexible work arrangements.
The newsletter's website (parents.berkeley.edu/ucfamilies) links to family resources on UC campuses, UC-wide policy and benefits information, and archives of advice and discussions.
Doctoral candidate Chrysanthi Leon is one such student. She credits Berkeley's family-related accommodations and services — student-family housing, university childcare, and a grant that rewards meeting time-to-degree norms — with making it possible for her to complete her program in jurisprudence and social policy (she graduates this spring).
"I wish I had also been able to benefit from paid maternity leave," she says. "This is a wonderful accomplishment. I will push for similar accommodations for grad students in my new position as an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Delaware."
Mason notes that only a handful of universities across the country offer paid pregnancy leave for doctoral students — "so we're still on the cutting edge."
Under the new policy passed by the Academic Senate's Graduate Council and approved by Chancellor Birgeneau, a doctoral student who works as a GSI or GSR or who is supported by a fellowship will experience no change in her funding arrangements during the six-week childbearing leave. The new policy states that "those supported by fellowships external to UC must adhere to the rules of the granting agency in regard to leaves from work. If the granting agency defers to university policy regarding paid childbirth leave, the six-week leave will be paid by the grant. If the granting agency requires suspension of payment during the six-week period, the student will be eligible for substitute payment from the Childbirth Accommodation Fund."
The expectant mother may also opt to continue to work in a modified capacity during her leave, but is not required to do so. The six-week leave can be taken before or after a child's birth. Stipends for temporary hires to replace graduate-student instructors or researchers, when such funding is needed, may be charged to the campus's Childbirth Accommodation Fund upon Graduate Division approval.
A copy of the new policy — along with other policies applicable to doctoral-student parents — is online. A summary of Mason and Goulden's research on the academic pipeline and initiatives to make the academy more family- friendly is at ucfamilyedge.berkeley.edu.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Cal Grant from the California Student Aid Commission
Need Cash for College? You Could Get a Cal Grant. Cal Grants are one of the smartest ways to get cash for college. For starters, it's money you don't have to pay back. And secondly, it's guaranteed.
If you're a graduating high school senior or recent graduate, meet academic, financial and eligibility requirements and submit two forms by March 2, you are guaranteed a Cal Grant!
How Much Money Are We Talking About? With a Cal Grant you can get up to $9,700 a year to pay for college expenses at any qualifying California college, university or career or technical school in California.
Depending on which Cal Grant you get, the money can be used for tuition, room and board, even books and pencils. The best part is, it's yours to keep and you don't have to pay it back.
Here's How to Get It. All you have to do is submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) between January 1 and March 2 and submit a verified Cal Grant GPA anytime between November and the March 2 deadline. If you meet the income, eligibility, and GPA requirements, the cash is yours. The best part is, you can fill out the FAFSA online.
To submit a verified Cal Grant GPA, first check with your school to see if they will do it for you. If not, you can go online and download a GPA Verification form, fill out the student section and take it to your school. Don�t let a little paperwork stand between you and a Cal Grant.
If you're a graduating high school senior or recent graduate, meet academic, financial and eligibility requirements and submit two forms by March 2, you are guaranteed a Cal Grant!
How Much Money Are We Talking About? With a Cal Grant you can get up to $9,700 a year to pay for college expenses at any qualifying California college, university or career or technical school in California.
Depending on which Cal Grant you get, the money can be used for tuition, room and board, even books and pencils. The best part is, it's yours to keep and you don't have to pay it back.
Here's How to Get It. All you have to do is submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) between January 1 and March 2 and submit a verified Cal Grant GPA anytime between November and the March 2 deadline. If you meet the income, eligibility, and GPA requirements, the cash is yours. The best part is, you can fill out the FAFSA online.
To submit a verified Cal Grant GPA, first check with your school to see if they will do it for you. If not, you can go online and download a GPA Verification form, fill out the student section and take it to your school. Don�t let a little paperwork stand between you and a Cal Grant.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Useful links for Student Funding Idea
List of research fellowships and similar awards offered by the colleges of the University.
The awards listed here are generally intended for those who seek funding to enable them to undertake research at post-doctoral level, or who are well-advanced in their doctoral research, and are not aimed at students at the start of their postgraduate studies.
Oxford University Research Services
The RSO offers a number of web-based resources for those looking for external research funding (some services may only be accessed by current Oxford students). For further information on the main source of funding information, www.researchresearch.com, and other funding resources, please see the Find Funding section of the Research Services website.
British Federation of Women Graduates Charitable Foundation
This foundation offers grants/bursaries/emergency grants to women graduates from the UK and overseas who are studying in the UK.
Community of Science (COS)
Oxford subscribes to the 'Funding Opportunities' searchable database service offered by COS. Only members of the University with an ox.ac.uk email account can gain access to this particular service but the main site may be useful for prospective students too. Social Sciences and Humanities are included despite its name!
Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
The ACU administer a number of scholarships for Commonwealth citizens (and those permanently resident in a Commonwealth country) to study in the UK.
Wingate Scholarships
Wingate Scholarships aim to award funding for projects that may not fit into any of the conventional funding categories. They welcome applications from mature students and those from non-traditional academic backgrounds. Awards are designed to help with the costs of a specific project which may last up to three years.
Finding out more about Postgraduate Study and Funding
This is a Lancaster University website but has general information on postgraduate study in the UK and a large section on current scholarships / funding offered by external agencies and other UK universities.
Study Abroad (UNESCO)
This is an online book (also available in print) published by UNESCO which covers higher-education study opportunities and scholarships offered by universities, specialized schools and international organizations in 124 countries.
The Education Virtual Campus - Finance
This site gives you a 'virtual' tour of UK education and includes a section on funding and scholarships.
Sources of Funding for International Students (UKCOSA)
Provides general advice about searching for funding and also has a list of trusts and charities that offer small grants. UKCOSA also offer downloadable guidance notes on funding.
Scholarship Search
Offers a search facility aimed primarily at UK undergraduates but there is some information for international students (EU and overseas).
Homepage for European Union Students
This is a Department of Education and Skills website for students and provides information for EU undergraduate students (non UK) about applying for assitance with tuition fees.
Scholarships for Singaporean Science & Technology Graduates
The National Science and Technology Board of Singpore offer a number of scholarships for studying at selected universities overseas, including Oxford.
The Croucher Foundation
This foundation offers scholarships to permanent residents of Hong Kong for new postgraduate study in Natural Science, Medicine or Technology in approved academic institutions.
The Grants Register 2007
Published by Macmillan in print only (£125), this includes information on a variety of scholarships, fellowships and research grants, professional and vocational grants. Available from Macmillan Reference Limited, 25 Eccleston Place, London SW1W 9NF. There is a copy here in the International Office and the British Council Office in your city / country may also keep a copy for reference.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Apply for a Loan
Information provided by Citibank
Once you have completed your award letter comparisons and have identified that additional funding may be needed, the next step is to understand your options.
Federal student loan options include unsubsidized or subsidized Federal Stafford Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, Parent Federal PLUS Loans and Graduate Federal PLUS Loans. Your school will recommend that you apply for specific loan products first. It is in your best interest to follow the school's instruction.
The college you select may choose to participate in one of two federal loan programs: either the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) or the Federal Direct Loan Program (FDLP). Both programs are governed by federal regulations that determine the loan programs, loan limits, and repayment options.
- If your college participates in the FFELP, private lenders will provide your loan funds. Your school's Financial Aid Office can provide you with a list of preferred private lenders.
- If your college participates in the FDLP, your funds will come directly from the federal government. Your school's Financial Aid Office will be able to assist you with the application process.
Before receiving Stafford Loan funds, the federal government requires that all first-time borrowers complete Entrance Loan Counseling. Ask your Financial Aid Office if your school accepts online entrance counseling.
Alternative/Private Student Loans Are Always an OptionIf your financial aid award letter shows that you do no qualify for federal student loans, or shows that there is still a gap in your college funding, consider applying for an alternative or private student loan. Offered by private lenders, these loans can cover your funding gap and even cover the full cost of your education. Alternative/private loans typically offer competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options. Your school's Financial Aid Office can provide you with a list of preferred private lenders or you can visit Citibank's www.collegelenderlist.com, which lists preferred lenders for many colleges and universities.
For more valuable information:
- Make informed, responsible student loan and lender choices with Responsible Borrowing.
- Review the application information you'll need in Step 1. Complete the FAFSA.
- Choose how you would like to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in Step 2. Submit the FAFSA.
- Learn more about the details of your Student Aid Report in Step 3. Understand the Student Aid Report (SAR).
- Find out what information is included in a financial aid package in Step 4. Compare Award Letters.
Need Financial Aid Program, This is a Guide to the FAFSA Form
The FAFSA financial aid form is probably the single most important financial aid form you will ever complete in your career as a college student or parent of a college student. As such, it's vital to complete it quickly and accurately, to ensure that you get the maximum amount of aid. This tutorial will walk you through the completion of the FAFSA, step by step, giving you hints and tips along the way.
This tutorial will be focusing on the 2007-2008 FAFSA.
Before You Begin
Take a deep breath. Relax. The FAFSA form may be time-consuming, but it's not impossible, and you can do it.
You will need to gather up all your documentation and download a copy of the FAFSA Financial Aid form, as well as the appropriate IRS tax forms, available here.
- The 2007-2008 FAFSA form (PDF, 1024 KB)
- You may also find it helpful to have the IRS 1040 form handy. (PDF, 352 KB)
- Still available: the 2006-2007 FAFSA form (PDF, 648 KB). Do not use if you're filing for the fall semester of 2007!
Hablamos Espanol? Llene su FAFSA en Español (PDF)! Also, some 2006 FAFSA guides were printed incorrectly by the Department of Education, missing the tax line insert. Get a copy of the tax line guide here (PDF)!
We will be using the 2007-2007 FAFSA form as a reference during this tutorial. We recommend printing it out and following along, filling in everything as we go for practice. Disregard the preparation worksheets; we'll be working directly on the FAFSA form itself, which is colored yellow and purple.
If you want the most in-depth understanding of the FAFSA, be sure to read the EFC Computation guide (PDF).
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