Need-Based Financial Aid
These are the two most crucial financial aid applications that should be filled out as soon as possible. These applications are time-sensitive, therefore, the faster you know where you are applying and are able to fill out these applications, the higher chance you will receive optimal aid. You WILL need your parents to fill out the required information (tax return documents, investments, social security, etc.). Your parent(s) will need plenty of time to gather documents and answer the abundance of questions.
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"Need-Based" means that your family's income is used to determine how much you need to attend your listed institutions. A "family contribution" is calculated and then incorporated into your final reward.
FAFSA HAS CHANGED ITS TERMS AND DEADLINE FOR THE 2024-2025 APPLICATION. PLEASE SEE UPDATES HERE.
FAFSA
FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The application opens every year on October 1st*, but the due date varies by state/school (it is recommended that it is filled out by Thanksgiving Break). After your initial information is processed by the federal government, you will be able to complete the entire application. This form must be completed for each year your student is attending college.
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This application will take at least one hour to complete, not including gathering documents and proofing.
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*Except for the 2024-2025 application. The form is set to open on December 1st, 2023.
CSS Profile
Have you ever wondered how families pay for their students to go to top private schools? This profile gives many students once in a lifetime opportunities to pursue prestigious academic endeavors.
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The CSS profile differs from FAFSA because this aid is NOT granted by the federal government. Instead, it asks for more financial information to determine your reward. This form is required by a vast majority of PRIVATE institutions and some public ones. There is a flat fee of $25 to complete the form and $16 per college the form is sent to. If you qualify for an SAT fee waiver, they can also be applied to this application (counselors have more information on how to obtain a waiver).
The application opens on October 1st of every year and schools have their own deadlines (usually after the application deadline). This application will take at least 3 hours to complete.
Note: Florida public institutions do not require this application
Merit-Based Financial Aid & Scholarships
"Merit-Based" financial aid means that rewards are given based on your academic achievements or special skills i.e. SAT/ACT scores, GPA, talents, sports.
Other Scholarship Resources
Use these resources at your own discretion.
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