Financial Aid Planning Tips

Being accepted into the college of your dreams is one thing. Paying for it is another.

Here are some things you should plan to do each year to help maximize your financial aid opportunities. For more detailed information about what to do each year, view the College Planning Timeline.

FAFSA

• The FAFSA application should be available October 1. You can have your information transmitted up to20  schools when applying online. 
• Make sure your parents have completed their appropriate income tax forms in anticipation of the financial aid applications. 
• Keep an eye out for financial aid workshops and seminars, for both you and your parents. 

GSFC-Administered Programs

• Investigate your options for participating in Dual Enrollment. This allows students to take college level coursework for credit towards both high school and college graduation requirements.
• Speak with your counselor about AP and honors courses, planning towards completion of the Academic Rigor Requirements needed for eligibility for both the HOPE Scholarship and Zell Miller Scholarship.
• Here is a list of all the programs administered by GSFC: 

Scholarships	Grants	Loans
HOPE Scholarship	HOPE Grant	Scholarship for Engineering Education Program (SEE)
Zell Miller Scholarship	Zell Miller Grant	University of North Georgia Military Scholarship Loan Program
REACH Georgia	HOPE Career Grant	Georgia Military College State Service Scholarship Loan Program
HERO Scholarship	HSE Grant	Georgia National Guard Service Cancelable Loan
	Tuition Equalization Grant
	University of North Georgia ROTC Grant and ROTC Grant for Future Officers
	Public Safety Memorial Grant
	Dual Enrollment

Scholarship Search

• Research scholarships and start applying.
• Never pay for anyone to help you search for scholarships or any financial aid services.

Saving for College

• Check out Georgia’s Path2College 529 Plan and add to your savings regularly.
• Net Price Calculators can provide an estimate of what it may cost to attend a college in Georgia.

Employment Opportunities

• How are you spending your summer? Volunteering and educational programs can help give you a better idea of what kind of training or career would be right for you.
• If you have room in your schedule, consider a part-time job or volunteer position during the school year.
• Consider looking for a summer job or internship. Many employers offer scholarships to their employees and their dependents.
• If you go on interviews or visits, don't forget to send thank-you notes or emails.