| Paying for university or college is one of the most | | | | first and most important thing you can do is get good |
| valuable investments you can make in your life. As you | | | | grades in school – good grades not only might |
| know, however, it is also one of the biggest | | | | qualify you for a scholarship, but they also make your |
| investments too. For this reason, good financial planning | | | | chances a lot better of being accepted to the |
| well in advance of attending the university of your | | | | university of your choice. |
| choice is essential. You will want to create a budget | | | | 3. Grants To The Rescue |
| and consider everything – not just tuition but also | | | | Of course, what if you're not as smart as those |
| reasonable living costs. Unfortunately, sometimes | | | | students? What will you do to get into college by not |
| budgeting simply isn't enough – and that's where | | | | spending a lot of money? The government can |
| federal grants come into play. | | | | provide you money for college students who are in |
| 1. Grant Or Scholarship – What's The | | | | need of financial aid. This is called the Free Application |
| Difference? | | | | for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. This is a form of |
| The main difference between a grant and a | | | | grant that will determine how much your family's |
| scholarship is that a scholarship has far more | | | | financial strength is. You can fill out a FAFSA form in |
| restrictions placed upon it than a grant. Both grants and | | | | your school or via the internet in the FAFSA website |
| scholarships are non-repayable, that is, unlike a loan | | | | at – Not only students who have financial |
| you don't have to pay them back when you are done | | | | difficulty should do this but everyone should do it. This |
| your schooling, which basically means you're getting | | | | will substantially decrease the amount you will spend to |
| free money. So if at all possible, try to get a grant or a | | | | pay for college and can lessen the burden for your |
| scholarship. Scholarships are for specific academic or | | | | parents. |
| athletic categories, whereas grants are awarded | | | | 4. Have The Following Information Ready – |
| primarily on financial need only. | | | | Social Security Number – Latest W-2 forms and |
| 2. Raising Your Chances | | | | other records of money earned. – Federal |
| There are a few things you can do to raise your | | | | Income Tax Return of your parents. – |
| chances of being eligible for financial assistance. The | | | | Permanent Residence Card if a non US citizen. |