<p>Hello,
My schools deadline for college applications in scheduled for mid November. As a result, this does not give me much time to sign up for scholarships. How late/early can you sign up for scholarships? I am mainly interested in local scholarships and scholarships that do not require an essay to be written (ie FastWeb). I know that a majority of the people here would agree that local scholarships can be found at the guidance councilor office. However, my GC offers about 2 at the moment and both arent good. Is there any other way I can find there local scholarships? Is there any books, or websites that you would recommend? Have you researched some local scholarships in NY and found some (please PM me).</p>
<p>Also, what is the opportune time to start filling up the FAFSA sheet?</p>
<p>I am a NY resident and will go to school in NY.
Please help me outyou will be blessed and have a place in my heart :)</p>
<p>Every scholarship has its own deadline criteria. You need to research what types of scholarships you are interested in. Most people can't do FAFSA until they have done their Federal Income Taxes. You can research scholarships on the internet, I strongly suggest you do not pay anyone any money for a scholarship search or application...these are scams. Your local librarian might have some insight into a scholarship listing as might your local community college financial aid office. Good luck.</p>
<p>You do not have not apply for scholarships at the same time you apply for school. My kids all applied Early Decision in November and were still getting scholarships the following August! The scholarships had all kinds of deadlines, like March and beyond, so they were all filled out AFTER applying to college.</p>
<p>If your own guidance office only has two scholarships, try searching online for the guidance offices of really good high schools in your area, especially private schools. They often have long lists of scholarships. That's what we did.</p>
<p>We didn't send in FAFSAs but I believe they cannot be filed before Jan. 1. You need this year's income tax info, and your parents will probably not be able to get that all together until February, since businesses, banks etc. do not have to send financial info to them until, I believe, after Jan. 31. Someone who knows better can tell you whether you can put estimated data if you want to file earlier, but it will have to be corrected later.</p>
<p>In order to complete the FAFSA form you will need:</p>
<p>
[quote]
A valid Social Security Number (SSN)
Your parents income tax return for the past year (if you are a dependent student)
Your parents income tax return for the past year (if you are a dependent student)
The Federal School Code
The federal processor will send a Student Aid Report (SAR) to students approximately two to four weeks after receiving your FAFSA. If you do not receive a SAR after six weeks, we suggest you call the U.S. Department of Education (319) 337 5665.</p>
<p>The SAR indicates your expected family contribution, which is used to determine eligibility for need-based financial aid. Please check your name, social security number, date of birth and all other information to make sure that it is accurate. If you need to make any correction, please send it back as directed as soon as possible.
[/quote]
You can start your FAFSA before your parents have filed taxes ( after Jan 1st)
the end of the year W-2 forms should give you year to date info</p>