I’ve gotten work study on my financial aid letter from multiple schools. How exactly should I go about it? Is there a way to accept it first (I don’t see this option in my letter in my online portal) or would I have to secure a job first (and how to go about that? Anyone been through this before please help) I don’t want to lose out on it. I also don’t know if I should go ahead and accept or confirm that I need it somehow before officially deciding on where I want to go.
You still need to apply for the job. The money would not show up in your account until you earn it. I don’t think you need to accept or decline it but it may depend on the school policy. If you don’t work, you declined it.
The school you choose to go to will likely have a job-fair for students during orientation, or will send you a listing of open positions to which you can apply. Various departments on campus will have jobs that they will be looking for students to fill, but typically will only be able to hire students who are on work-study due to funding availability. You will have to apply for the jobs (typically right at the beginning of the semester). Why not call up the fin. aid office at your first choice college and ask them how the process works there?
Each school has different options. At D’s college, all freshman work study jobs are in dining services. Kids without any experience at all end up in the dining hall. Those with experience might get hours at the coffee or sandwich shops. But, like I said, every school is different.
When you decide on a school, accept the WS, but keep in mind, you will not see any of that money til you get a job and earn it. Most students use it for their weekly spending money because it will not be available for upfront costs like books.
Thank you everyone. I’ll definitely talk to fin aid offices about open positions to make sure I secure a job ASAP