This is the first part of two in a series.

Since my last year has been consumed with the dance and jig of trying to get the scholarships done I have learned a few things that may help someone else. College applications, financial aid, scholarships and acceptance have changed dramatically since I went to college.

The very first thing you must do is apply to a college. With that, please know that most of the application fees are non-refundable. In Texas, everything is online; I would imagine most of the other states are as well. Texas has Texas Grants, so when you go through ApplyTexas.org it is a twofer meaning you apply and Texas has the information for your possible grants if you are eligible.

The next step is FAFSA. It is without exception the beginning and end to your questions. FASFA gives, calculates and collates all of your financial aid. The application there is not easy, please don’t make me lie. However, what you need to focus on is each year all you will have to do is update from there on out. The link for FAFSA is fasfa.gov. All of these act the same way they help even a student that doesn’t expect financial aid. Most of the scholarships expect you to apply for FAFSA some require it. The site has many tips to complete the forms, but the main thing is to remember to save often! That goes with all the applications. Saving makes it much easier when you have an unexpected shutdown. You will need everyone’s Tax forms, and that may include a divorced spouse’s tax forms. With FAFSA the student will have the actual application and pin number. The parent will have a password and user name as well, this is to allow the parent to virtually sign the forms.

Tomorrow we will talk about how to get the most scholarships and what system works best to achieve your goals.

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