Hello, I'm a junior and I'm worried about how to pay for college. How do I go about asking for financial aid? What information do I need to provide, and are there any deadlines I should be aware of? Thanks for any advice!
Hi there! It's completely normal to be concerned about college expenses. To start with financial aid, you'll want to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. The FAFSA opens on October 1st each year, and it's a good idea to submit it early since some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. You'll need to provide information about your family's income, assets, and household size. Your parents will need to help you out with this process if you're a dependent student. Make sure to check the deadlines for both federal and state aid, as well as any college-specific deadlines. In addition to the FAFSA, some colleges require the CSS Profile for institutional aid. Also, don't forget to research and apply for scholarships, both locally and nationally. There are many resources available online to help you find scholarships that you may qualify for. Lastly, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to your school counselor or the financial aid office at the colleges you're interested in. Good luck!
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