<p>Hey everyone, I never come on this board. Usually I am on individual college ones but as College Apps deadlines gets closer I decided to come on here. I am an only child and am the first one from my family to go to college in America. I am not exactly considered poor, but definitely not considered rich. My parents came from Europe and they honestly have no clue about the whole college process. They don't use the internet. I've been on my own and I don't really mind. I'm getting all my apps done nicely</p>
<p>I'm going to obviously do the requisite CSS Profile/FAFSA forms that I learned about. I should be giving my parents the FAFSA form soon. Considering that I am a senior, I am going to assume just from reading some threads that it is too late to do a lot about scholarship money. But, can anyone help and give me some sort of advice on what I can do now to get some much needed schlarship money/aid??
In advance, thanks a lot.</p>
<p>Not too late. Just on time. Need to fill out Profile and FAFSA. First get those PIN numbers for self and parents, and read the directions carefully. Too many folks mix up which part pertains to the student, and which to the adult, so carefully designate that. Getting a hard copy from your guidance counselor for mark up might be a good idea, and using some online calculators for some estimates, gives you a ball park before getting the real thing. Get your parents to dig out last years tax forms, fill the forms out in pencil from that, and make the the changes from 2005 to 2006 that they note. Jan 1 is when you submit the forms.</p>
<p>Apply to schools where your stats are at or near the 75%ile. For instance, a friend recently got a merit scholarship from Knox College....and a few other schools based on his stats.</p>
<p>Ask schools if they have any scholarships not only for merit but for something else. Many schools do have it for some talents- writing, math, hobbies- like presenting your portfolio of paintings or matchstick bridges. College of Wooster OH has some scholarship for unusual talents which could come up to half tuition. Neither Wooster or Knox need CSS profile so check your schools. CSS cost money while FAFSA is free.</p>