<p>So I'm an incoming senior, and I'm beginning to start my applications. But because I'm applying to a lot of private colleges, I'm going to need some financial aid or scholarships. The thing is, I don't really know how to, or if I'm qualified, etc... Do I have to apply for it when turning in my application? </p>
<p>Any information on financial aid/scholarships would be helpful. Thankx!</p>
<p>su, here are some things you can do to get informed about FA & merit:</p>
<ol>
<li> Buy and read: Paying for college without going broke (look on Amazon).</li>
<li> Talk to your parents about what they can afford/are willing to pay.</li>
<li> Run some EFC calculators (look on the College Board site or finaid.com (which is also an excellent source of FA information).</li>
<li> Read past threads on CC, either on this forum or the Parents. Look at the sticky threads at the top of the page, browse through old threads, search threads, and read threads by the poster curmudgen.</li>
</ol>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Your Guidance Counselor at school should be able to help you find some local scholarships that you would have a good shot to receive.</p>
<p>Sit down with your parents ASAP and have a serious conversation about exactly how much they're willing to contribute each year to your college education. This info is as important as knowing about your expected financial contribution (what colleges expect you to pay) and college's financial aid policies.</p>
<p>If, for instance, your EFC is $20 k a year, but your parents say they will pay $10 k a year, you'll probably need to make sure you apply to some colleges that will give you merit aid. You may even need to live at home and commute to college.</p>
<p>Find out your financial info before falling in love with any college because it can be devastating to get into your dream school, but be unable to afford it. Select dreams that are financially realistic.</p>