High school seniors should be aware of application deadlines for college financial aid. Here are some tips from the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA):
Check with the financial aid offices of the schools to which you’ve applied to determine if they require any financial aid forms other than the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Familiarize yourself with the FAFSA. Unless you are starting college before July 1, you cannot file the FAFSA until after the first of the year. But you should still take a look at the information it requires and make plans to attend a College Goal Kentucky session near you. Your counselor should have information about College Goal Kentucky.
Using KHEAA’s “Affording Higher Education” and a free online scholarship search, look for any scholarships for which you might qualify. You can find a link to a free search site under the “Paying for College” tab on www.kheaa.com. Make sure you submit your application by the deadline for each scholarship.
Attend any college fairs and financial aid seminars offered at your high school or in your area. If a company charges a fee for helping with applications, remember that you can do that yourself for free. If you decide to pay for help, make sure the company is reputable by checking with the state Attorney General’s office or Better Business Bureau in your area, as well as the area where the firm is located.
To find links to other useful education websites, go to www.gotocollege.ky.gov. For more information about Kentucky scholarships and grants, visit www.kheaa.com; write KHEAA, P.O. Box 798, Frankfort, KY 40602; or call 800-928-8926, ext. 6-7372.
