How does the financial aid process work?

Hi guys, I'm a junior and I'm starting to think about how I'll pay for college. I know financial aid is important, but I'm not sure how the process works. Can someone explain the basics of financial aid, and what I should be doing now to prepare for applying for aid? Thanks for your help!

Hi there! It's great to see that you're already thinking about the financial aid process. I've recently gone through this with my own child, so I'd be happy to share some basics. Financial aid can come from various sources, including federal, state, college, and private organizations. It's usually given in the form of grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. To start preparing for aid, you'll want to research scholarships available to you, both locally and nationally, as well as those offered by the colleges you're interested in. Typically, the first step in applying for financial aid is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens on October 1st of your senior year. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal aid, including grants, work-study, and loans, as well as some state and college aid. Some colleges may also require you to complete the CSS Profile, an additional financial aid application used to determine institutional aid. Make sure to meet all deadlines, as aid is often given on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, keep your grades up and stay involved in extracurricular activities, as these factors can also influence scholarship opportunities. Best of luck with your college journey!