What’s the Deal?
College & Financial Aid

April 29, 2020

During this pandemic, many students are feeling adrift on applying for colleges and financial aid.  Campuses are shut down making it difficult to reach enrollment offices, obtain transcripts, and find answers to simple questions.  So where do you start during this confusing time?

  • What schools have you applied to or want to apply to?
    • Visit their website – many have advisors working from remote locations who can assist you
    • Start the application process
      • Many have extended application deadlines
      • Schools have step-by-step instructions on their sites for applying and what information is needed
    • Worried about application fees?
      • Ask if they offer application fee waivers and see if you qualify
    • Unable to get official transcripts from your high school or previous college?
      • Many schools are accepting unofficial transcripts at this time due to the pandemic
  • What is FAFSA?
    • FAFSA is a great place to start your school and financial aid journey
      • The FAFSA is a free student aid application managed by the U.S. Department of Education
      • Most colleges and universities encourage students to fill out this application as part of their process for determining financial aid
      • Aid packages typically include a combination of grants (money you don’t have to pay back), loans, and work-study funds
  • Scholarships
    • Aid you do not have to pay back!
    • Where do you find them?
      • Check college websites
      • Check local clubs and businesses
      • Utilize the links below to find various scholarship opportunities
    • Check for deadlines and get your applications in as early as you can
    • Read all requirements and instructions to ensure that you qualify so that you do not waste time on something you will not be considered for
    • Make sure you do not fall into the “copied essay” trap
      • Write essays that apply to each individual scholarship
      • Do not copy and paste the same essay over and over
      • Be genuine and avoid generic answers that you think they want to hear
      • Have someone proofread your essays before submitting them
    • Apply, apply, apply
      • Don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone
      • If you meet the requirements, apply

It doesn’t matter if you are fresh out of high school, continuing your college experience, or an adult returning to school after being out for an extended period.  You can start your educational journey today!

Helpful Links:

FAFSA
The FAFSA is a free student aid application managed by the U.S. Department of Education

OKCollegeStart.org
The state’s official web site that provides information about higher education in Oklahoma

Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
Oklahoma’s Promise – A unique program set up by State Legislature to help pay for college

College Confidential
College information to help narrow down school choices

Tuition Funding Sources
The largest source of scholarships in the world

Private Student Loans 
Find out how you can get the right student loan to pay for your college expenses.

Student Loan Refinancing 
Learn about how to refinance private student loans to lower monthly payments and save on interest.

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