On the Internet, students can perform free database searches to seek out scholarships that are appropriate for them. After completing an individual profile, you'll receive a customized list of possible scholarship resources as well as links to the sponsor. Many of these links lead to on-line applications, or provide an application that can be downloaded directly to your computer. Try searching the scholarship data bases at www.collegeboard.com, www.finaid.org, or www.fastweb.com. The Scholarship Resource Network Express has a free search at www.srnexpress.com/index.cfm, as does College Net at www.collegenet.com/mach25. Fastweb even allows you to set up your own mailbox so you can receive on-going information about scholarships as they become available. If you're searching for scholarships for a particular major, use the links through FinAid at www.finaid.org/otheraid/majors.phtml.
Estimate your potential for receiving financial aid through the use of free calculators. Families can estimate their Expected Family Contribution using the calculators at www.collegeboard.com or those at www.finaid.org/finaid/calculators/index.html. Colleges use the EFC number to determine the amount of money a student will need to attend that school; the difference between cost of education and expected family contribution equals established need. Other calculators at these sites can help families design a college savings plan, project college costs, compute payments for college loans, and compare different types of loans. You might want to try out those at www.wiredscholar.com for a side-by-side loan comparison.
The Internet has also shortened the response time for receiving information about eligibility for financial aid. Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on-line shortens evaluation time by about half. Families are encouraged to apply on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov, but be sure to keep a copy of all information that you send either electronically or through the traditional paper application. Many individual states also encourage students to apply for state scholarship aid on-line. Texas offers the Texas Financial Aid Information Center. Visit www.collegefortexans.com for more information.
College Counseling Information Links
College Counseling Main Page
Finding A College
Financial Preparation for College
College Counseling Contacts
Rebecca (Becky) Day
Director of College Counseling
Chaz Prosser
Registrar and Assistant Director of College Counseling
Heather Eyles
Assistant to the Director of College Counseling
