<p>I'm a junior in High School. My dad was the "money-maker" of the house, but he past away 2 years ago. My mother doesn't bring in very much money. I don't know what kind of financial aid I can recieve. I recieved a 29 on my ACT, my grades are in the 88-94 range. I'm involved in many organizations, and a leader in most. I work part-time, and volunteer as time allows. Does anyone have a clue to what my financial possabilities are?
Thanks!</p>
<p>Talk to your mother about the finances, and get her financial information so you can run the numbers through an on line FAFSA estimator that can give you an estimate of your Expected FAmily Contribution. That is not a hard and fast figure because colleges that tend to give a lot of financial aid often want more information and another application in addition to this, but it gives you a first step. If your family EFC is around $5K or less, you may be eligible for PELL grants. </p>
<p>Once you see where you are in terms of what your mom can afford, what your EFC states your family should be able to afford, you look at what colleges cost. Try to find some sure thing schools that you can afford, should aid and scholarships not come through. You are likely to be able to borrow $5500 yourself freshman year through the Stafford loans. More than that will require a credit worthy adult’s co sign, or your mother taking out the loan for you. Talk to your GC about schools that have been generous in aid and scholarships to students from your school with your stats.</p>
<p>When making up your list, have the colleges in place that fit your needs and desires, that are likely to take you and are affordable first. Then start looking at schools where financial and/or merit aid is a possibility. Look at MomfromTexas’s thread on full ride scholarships and learn that technique of screening schools. Look at schools that meet a good percentage of need, and at schools that have some nice scholarships where you are in the top group of applicants. Look at your state schools and any reciprical programs. </p>
<p>Without knowing what your family income is and assets, no one can have a clue of what the possibilities are. That is what colleges examine for financial aid packages.</p>
<p>First, so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved father. </p>
<p>You do need to talk to your mom about finances. When your dad passed, your mom may have received a large sum of money…either from life insurance or some other source. So, if that money is sitting in an account somewhere, that could hurt your FA chances.</p>
<p>What state are you in?</p>
<p>You need to study for the ACT and SAT (take both) to try to get the best scores possible. An ACT 30 or equivalent SAT (or higher) will more likely get you accepted to better schools that give good financial aid or will get you good merit scholarships for your stats.</p>
<p>So, get practice books for both the ACT and SAT (your school guidance counselor may have some to borrow or go to the city library). Practice, practice, practice…and read the sections in the front for advice and tips. </p>
<p>You will need a careful strategy of where to apply based on your best scores and your financial situation. We can help you with that once you know what your situation is and what your best scores are.</p>
<p>It’s good that you are looking at this now with your eyes wide open. Work on the ACT/SAT. That can help get some merit aid. Absent anything else, you may have to consider going to a local community college and transferring to a four year college to keep the costs down.</p>