`dawson's Creek' Has Enough Steam To Melt Most Viewers

3 Field Hockey Stars Named All-americans

Monday, January 19, 1998 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 1C 





Follow calendar for financial aid &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 January: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Forms are available from
high school guidance counselors and the U.S. Department of Education &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 (1-800-4FED-AID)Don't wait until you decide which college to attend: Money
is often awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 To complete the application, your parents will need their financial
documents: income tax, mortgage, bank, assets, business or farm records,
veterans benefits, Social Security benefits or welfare benefits, and
additional income from investments. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Find out from the colleges you are considering whether you need to complete
the PROFILE Application as well as the FAFSA. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Make final adjustments to your financial situation before completing the
financial aid form. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 February: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Shortly after submitting the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report.
The report will indicate your Expected Family Contribution, the amount used by
colleges to determine your eligibility for financial aid. Make certain the
report is accurate and make any changes necessary. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The colleges you list will receive the information electronically. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 March: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 While awaiting word on financial aid packages, look into alternative
funding sources, such as scholarships. The Internet is a great source of
online scholarship information. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Avoid companies that charge fees for scholarship information or promise to
"guarantee" scholarships. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Make certain the financial aid office has received all required forms.
Review your "expected family contribution" with each school's financial aid
officer. Discuss any changes that might have occurred since you filed your
original financial aid application. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 April: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Beginning in April, colleges where you have been accepted will send out
financial aid award letters detailing your aid package. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The package may include grants, work-study or student loans. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 When you've chosen a college, begin firming up how you will pay for costs
not covered by your financial aid package. More than 54 percent of students
use a student loan. The most popular loan is the federal Stafford loan
available through private lenders. (Needy students may qualify for federal
loans or a subsidized Stafford loan in which the government pays the loan
interest while the student is in school and for six months after graduation.) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 If you have questions or need additional assistance, call the financial aid
office for clarification. Keep a copy of the letter in a safe place. It is the
official document indicating how much money your student will receive.

Follow Calendar For Financial Aid 
January: 
Submit A Free Application For Federal Student Aid. Forms Are Available From 
High School Guidance Counselors And The U.s. Department Of Education 
(1-800-4fed-aid).

Follow Calendar For Financial Aid January: Submit A Free Application For Federal Student Aid. Forms Are Available From High School Guidance Counselors And The U.s. Department Of Education (1-800-4fed-aid).