what's the deal with financial aid? how do i apply and where do i apply?

Paying for College
1

<p>i know this is an annoying topic but honesly i have no clue about financial aid. i'm a first generation attending college in the U.S. well i'm gonna be a junior but yeah. </p>

<p>if anyone has the patience to explain all this to me it would be greatly appreciated.
here are some of my questions:
where do i apply?
how do i apply?
what are merit based scholarships? are they from the schools you apply?
when do i apply?
you know those general questions. sorry guys i really have no idea... :(</p>

2

<p>There is a thread at the top of this page that is tacked which deals with many of your questions...Preparing for Finaid Applications. Some of your questions are answered there.</p>