Financial Aid and Scholarships

Obtaining Applications

Financial need does not have to be an impediment to attending college. Considerable scholarship assistance and financial aid are available. Most financial aid is distributed through the colleges and universities, but many private organizations are also sources. Senior bulletins and directories in the CIC and counselors’ offices contain excellent information on such scholarships. Most colleges now accept students “need blind” (i.e. based on academic credentials relative to the particular college requirements). After a student receives the college acceptance letter, the college then proposes a financial “package”. This may include scholarship, grant/gift, loan/work or any combination of these.

Application for financial aid is made by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

All students should complete a FAFSA form. Take the following steps:

In the spring of the junior year start discussing with your counselor or with CIC representatives the available scholarships for which to apply.
Some colleges require additional financial information not provided on the FAFSA. Be aware of the requirements and deadlines of the colleges and universities to which you are applying.
With your parent’s assistance, complete the Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Use either the paper copy or the form found online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, the preferred filing method. Submit the completed form between January 1 and February 15 of the senior year.
Read the materials on the scholarship bulletin board in the college guidance center and in the Senior Bulletin for updated scholarship information.
Make your applications for admission and financial aid as early as possible.
Attend, with a family member, the financial aid sessions held at Walnut in the CIC during January. Watch for bulletins announcing the exact date and time.

State funds in Ohio are administered by the Ohio Board of Regents through the Ohio Instructional Grant Program. OIG eligibility is based on each student's status: (1) Ohio resident; (2) enrolled or accepted for enrollment full-time in an eligible Ohio institution of higher education; (3) annual adjusted family income below a certain level, which is established each year by the Ohio legislation. An OIG is awarded on need, not merit. The OIG may be used at some colleges in Pennsylvania because of a reciprocal arrangement with that state. The FAFSA form is also used to apply for OIG.

WATCH ALL DEADLINES!!!

Walnut Hills counselors and the staff and volunteers of the CIC can provide all the assistance necessary for a thorough college and scholarship search. Do not subscribe to costly, and often fraudulent, outside commercial services.

FAFSA LINK

www.fafsa.ed.gov

NCAA Clearinghouse Website(s) Link

Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete

www.ncaa.org

Information re: eligibility for college sports & to register with the Clearing House

– all eligible student-athletes must register.