Educational Talent Search
Preparing students, ages 11-27, for college and a career.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
GET TO KNOW YOUR CAREER CENTER COORDINATOR & ETS Outreach Counselor and start using YOUR CAREER CENTER today!
Also make sure you and your parents check into other resources:
- Contact the financial aid administrator at the college of your choice for specific details on available financial aid opportunities
- College/Tech Schools award aid
- Your Church may offer a scholarship
- Your parent's employer
- Local Service Organizations (Jaycees, Moose Lodge, Rotary Club, etc.)
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
One of the MOST IMPORTANT steps to take is to complete and submit the FAFSA. It is the way to apply for student financial aid from the federal government, including the Pell Grant, Perkins Loan, Stafford Loan and work-study. The FAFSA is also required by all state schools and most other school student assistance programs.
IMPORTANT!
Know the FAFSA deadlines. Each year, the FAFSA becomes available on Jan. 1 and the priority deadline is Mar. 1. This means that you must submit the FAFSA by Mar. 1 to have the best chance to receive financial aid.
Submit your FAFSA by Mar. 1 of your senior year in high school if you plan to start college the fall semester after you graduate. FAFSA periods run per academic year, from Fall Semster through Summer Semester. See examples below.
| Planned entry into college | Submit your FAFSA by | Financial aid received will be available through |
|---|---|---|
| * Note: If you plan to start college the Summer Semester immediately following your senior year of high school, you will need to submit your FAFSA by the Mar. 1 of your junior year. | ||
| Fall 2009 | Mar. 1, 2009 | Fall 2009 Semester - Summer 2010 Semester |
| Spring 2010 | Mar. 1, 2009 | Spring 2010 Semester - Summer 2010 Semester |
| Summer 2009* | Mar. 1, 2008 | Summer 2009 Semester |
Also note that you must complete the FAFSA every year you wish to receive financial aid. For more information on FAFSA, visit the FAFSA Web site, talk with the financial aid administrator at the college of your choice, or contact your ETS Outreach Counselor.
- FAFSA Web site
- CSM Financial Assistance Web site - if CSM is your school of choice
- Search for your school's Federal School Code (needed for the FAFSA) - CSM's code is 002064
- Contact an ETS Outreach Counselor
More Scholarships
These sites will assist you with your scholarship search:
- www.collegeboard.com
- www.fastweb.com
- www.Scholarships.com
- www.guaranteed-scholarships.com
- www.csnamerica.com
- www.free-4u.com (Overview of scholarships for all minorities)
- www.scholarship.com
- www.mhec.state.md.us (Maryland Hope Scholarship Program)
- www.collegenet.com/mach25/ (Mach 25)
- www.srnexpress.com (SRN Express)
- www.usnews.com (U.S. News and World Report)
- www.collegeanswer.com (Scholarships, planning for college, & more
- www.studentaid.ed.gov
- www.students.gov (Information about planning and paying for your education)
- www.nextSTEPmagazine.com (Full of financial-aid and scholarship how-to articles)
- www.collegeparents.org (Parents check out this site!)
- www.collegescholarships.com (monthly listing of scholarships)
Ethnic background or ethnic studies scholarship web sites:
- www.niaf.org/Scholarships
- www.gmsp.org (The Gates Millennium Scholars)
- www.doi.gov/bureau-indian-affairs
Caution!
Applying for financial aid and scholarships should be free!
If you come across an organization offering free money but for a service fee, first find out if they are legitimate.
More Information
See your ETS Outreach Counselor for more information.