Many people assume that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the only financial-aid form they need to complete, but the FAFSA is specifically meant for federal assistance. Your state may have additional financial aid available and require its own application forms. In addition, your school may require specialized forms to award its own need-based grants. Complete the FAFSA as early as possible and check into any additional forms that might be necessary for your state and school to ensure that you are eligible for as many forms of financial aid as possible.
When a college sends its financial aid package, you may assume that it is a final offer and you have no recourse. However, if you feel that you cannot afford to attend the school with the proposed package, consider visiting the financial aid office to speak with an officer about your situation. No financial aid form can fully capture the reality of your circumstances, so a personal appeal can sometimes make a difference. In some cases, when you provide additional information, the school may increase your offer slightly. It is particularly important to inform the financial aid office if your situation has changed since you filled out the original paperwork. This includes details such as your parent becoming ill or losing his job. If you are uncomfortable making an appeal in person, write a letter detailing your situation. While there is no guarantee that the college will increase your financial aid package, you will never know unless you ask.
Many students include at least one prestigious, "reach" school in the group of colleges that they apply to in the hopes that they can beat out the competition and be accepted. However, it is important to realize that most schools have limited funds to distribute as financial aid so they choose grant award recipients very carefully. As a result, they usually reserve the largest financial packages for the standout students that they most want to attend the school. In fact, according to CBS MoneyWatch, students in the top 25 to 33 percent of the applicant pool are more likely to be awarded substantial grants. Try to refrain from applying to schools where you will not fall into that part of the applicant pool, to increase your chances of receiving a generous financial aid package.
While many students focus on need-based financial aid, merit-based scholarships are also available to a wide range of people. Build an impressive resume by maintaining your grades and participating in extracurricular activities. You can search online databases for available scholarships, but remember to have your parents check into possible opportunities with their employers, trade organizations and unions as well.