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Money for any financial aid package comes primarily from four sources: the federal government, the state government, colleges themselves, and private programs. The federal government supplies the most financial aid. Federal grant programs include Pell Grants and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG). Loans include National Direct Student Loans (GSL), and the new Parent's Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). The Federal College Work Study Program (CWS) provides work aid. Federal aid is awarded on the basis of need. The state of Indiana has scholarship and work programs for residents. State aid may be based on need, merit, or a combination of the two.
Colleges offer a wide variety of financial aid programs funded from their own resources and most have their own scholarship and grant programs. Deadlines and criteria vary greatly, so check with institutions' financial aid offices as far in advance as possible. Also, many private organizations provide aid to students. See if your parents' employers, labor unions, or professional associations provide programs. Check with your counselor, school library, or public library for books, articles, and pamphlets about financial aid. The Internet is also an excellent resource.
During your senior year, there will be class meetings and many announcements in regard to financial aid. In January of your senior year, you will be given the Financial Aid Form (FAFSA) which may make you eligible for state and federal financial aid. You may apply online at www.FAFSA.ed.gov. You may also apply for one or more locally sponsored scholarships by filing the Floyd Central local scholarship application.
Parents and students are invited to orientation opportunities with the high school counselors at different times throughout the school year. For Senior Night Out, topics may include post-secondary opportunities, standardized testing, admissions procedures, scholarship information, financial aid processes, and apprenticeship and military opportunities. In addition, a program called “Making College Count” may be offered during the spring semester. For underclassmen, grades nine and eleven, programs will focus on the same topics but also include diploma track information and scheduling information.
Each junior is allowed one day of exempt absence and each senior is allowed two days of exempt absences per year for college visitation. These days do not accumulate if unused. Visits to local colleges and universities should be scheduled on non-school days and will not be counted as exempt. Call the admissions office to schedule an appointment at the college. It is never too early to schedule a college visit. Use school breaks as a time to visit colleges and universities.
The guidance department has a college materials area that provides considerable information about colleges, workforce, military, financial aid, and apprenticeships. Videos from various post-secondary institutions are also available. All students are encouraged to review these materials and visit college websites.
Representatives from colleges, armed services, technical schools, and area employers visit Floyd Central periodically during the school year. Juniors and seniors may arrange to meet with these representatives in order to learn about post-secondary opportunities.
Competitive colleges closely inspect transcripts to see if students are taking rigorous courses. A recent study of admissions directors lists grades in college prep courses as the most important factor in the college admission process. Transcripts are available in the high school office or online at www.docufide.com.
Post-secondary applications are to be given to counselors a minimum of two weeks prior to the due date. An addressed envelope with two stamps must be given to the counselor along with the application fee.
Students may call toll-free 1-800-992-2076 or check the Learn More website www.learnmoreindiana.org for information on admission requirements or scholarship information on any college or university. Each college and university may have different requirements, so be sure and call for information. Students may also request information on financial assistance, post-secondary opportunities, special services for disabled students, special programs for good students, independent study and correspondence concerns, academic support services, career options, housing, and athletics.
A.) College catalogues and financial aid publications in college area
2.) Meet with college representatives-many representatives visit F.C. in the fall
3.) Attend college fairs
4.) Review scholarship folder and financial aid books in guidance office
5.) Apply for "general" scholarships before deadline (These scholarship forms are located in the scholarship folder and in scholarship books.)
6.) Listen to daily announcements
A.) Complete the local scholarship application at Floyd Central. Approximately 30-40 scholarships, ranging from $100 to $1,000, are awarded each year at the senior awards night.
7.) One application is submitted by the student to the Floyd Central Honors and Awards Committee.
8.) Most local organizations that sponsor scholarships or awards submit their criteria to the Honors and Awards Committee and the committee makes the selection.
9.) Listen to daily announcements
December and January
1.) Receive FAFSA (federal financial aid form) in senior class meeting and the publication on meeting college costs. Parents begin organizing IRS information which is included on the FAFSA.
2.) Continue reviewing financial aid information and apply for general scholarships located in FC scholarship folder and scholarship books.
3.) Listen to daily announcements.
January and February
1.)Complete FAFSA which may qualify a student for state and/or federal financial aid in a package of a combination of the following:
A. Grants
B. Loans
C. Work study (campus jobs)
D. Listen to daily announcements.
E. Attend the financial aid workshop at Floyd Central
March and April
1.) Mail FAFSA by March 1st.
2.) Visit financial aid offices at the colleges.
3.) Listen to daily announcements.
May and June
1.) Receive scholarships and notification of federal and/or state aid.
2.) Send or take the SAR (Student Aid Report) to the college financial aid office.
3.) Listen to daily announcements.
Summer
1.) Summer work. Those receiving federal and/or state aid are expected to contribute $700 to $900 through summer work.
Become familiar with college entrance requirements. Do colleges differ in course requirements? Which courses in your high school curriculum satisfy college requirements?
2. September-March of junior year
Think about your reasons for going to college. What are your goals? What learning opportunities are most important? Do your college plans include career plans?
3. January-March of junior year
Identify important factors in choosing a college. Two year or four year? Location? Cost? Kind of atmosphere? Variety of study programs available?
4. March-August of junior year or earlier
List colleges you are considering and collect information. Have you included all possible choices? What information do you need? How can you get it? Which colleges have early admission policies?
5. August-November of senior year
Compare the colleges on your list. Have you weighed pros and cons carefully? Which colleges will meet your needs? Have you made college visits?
6. August-December of senior year
Apply to your choice colleges. Do you have all the necessary forms? Are you sure of the application deadlines?
7. November-February of senior year
Apply for financial aid. Have you investigated all possible sources of aid? When should you apply?
8. November-April of senior year
Make some final decisions. What additional preparation might be helpful? Do you feel comfortable with your choices?
