Hello! I'm a junior and I'm starting to think about college expenses. I'm not sure if I should apply for financial aid or not. How do I know if I qualify for financial aid and if it's worth applying for? Any advice would be really helpful, thank you!
Hey there! It's great that you're thinking ahead about college expenses. I've been through the process recently with my own child, so I can share a bit of what I've learned. First off, I'd recommend that everyone apply for financial aid, regardless of your family's financial situation. You never know what kind of aid you may be eligible for, and there's really no harm in applying. To get an idea of the amount of aid you could potentially receive, try using the FAFSA4caster tool on the FAFSA website. It'll give you an estimate of your eligibility for federal student aid. Keep in mind that financial aid isn't just need-based; there are also merit-based scholarships and grants that you can apply for. Don't forget to check with the colleges you're interested in, as they may have their own financial aid programs. Good luck as you start this journey, and remember that it never hurts to explore your options!
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