5 Tips to Remember When Applying for Financial Aid and Scholarships

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Filling out financial aid forms and applying for scholarships doesnt have to be overwhelming. Use the following tips from Houston Baptist University to avoid common mistakes, and youre well on your way to receiving the financial aid and scholarship money you deserve!

It may seem obvious, but failing to answer a question is a common mistake. If the answer is zero or doesnt apply to you, write in 0 dont use dashes or leave the question blank.

Youll be asked to indicate your interest in different types of financial aid (for example, work-study and student loans). Remember to consider everything being offered, even if youre not sure yet. Youre not obligated to accept the loans, but it gives you more options, and you wont get more grants or scholarships if you answer no.

Remember to include all required references, statements and transcripts on your scholarship applications. And for your financial aid forms, remember to include any necessary signatures from you or your parents.

When it comes to scholarships, dont confine yourself to national awards, academic scholarships or those offering full tuition. Every bit comes in handy! But dont apply for scholarships if you arent qualified. If the requirement is a minimum 3.5 GPA and you have a 2.0, move on to a different award so you dont waste your time.
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Check your spelling! Selection committees often automatically reject applications for mistakes in grammar or misspelled words, so have a friend, teacher or parent check over your work to make sure you dont miss out on money that could be yours!

Dont know where to look?

Use this checklist to get started on your scholarship search!
q C  heck with your parents they may be part of a business association, community organization or social group that offers scholarships. Your school counselor q  should know about private and corporate awards that are perfect for you. Keep your eyes q  open neighborhood banks, lawfirms and even state fairs offer scholarships. q  Dont forget about museums and cultural arts centers that grant awards based on special talents and abilities or ethnic background.

Your Financial Aid Quick Reference

What is the FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the official application used by colleges and universities to determine eligibility for financial aid. A list of tips is featured below so you can breathe a little easier when it comes time for you to start filling this form out.

Questions about completing the FAFSA?

Call their help line at: 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) 9:00 am 8:00 pm Eastern Monday Friday.

Where do you find school codes for the FAFSA form?

Go online to the colleges financial aid web page, ask your guidance counselor or head to your public library (HBUs code number for the FAFSA is 003576).

When do I submit the FAFSA?

March 1 is the preferred annual deadline to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the federal processor. www.fafsa.ed.gov

Additional online resources for financial aid, scholarships and internships:

Studentaid.ed.gov Fastweb.com Scholarships.com
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Heres a quick recap of the 5 Tips to Remember. Good luck with your financial aid and scholarship hunt!
1.  Dont leave any questions blank. 2. Include all required references, signatures and transcripts. 3.  Apply for all types of financial aid available. 4.  Make sure you meet all minimum requirements when you apply for scholarships. 5.  Have someone check your work for grammatical and spelling mistakes.
HBU is happy to help you navigate the sometimes confusing world of student aid, and we hope the tips weve included here will help you in your future. Just remember that financial aid may be in the form of loans, grants, scholarships, employment opportunities or a combination of all of these. Visit our website at www.hbu.edu to find out more, and check out our financial aid and scholarship section while youre there! Just go to our admissions page and click on Financing Your Education. Wed also love for you to come to our campus. Just call us at 1 (281) 649-3756 to schedule your visit today!

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Office of Admissions 7502 Fondren Road Houston, Texas 77074