If you're going to enroll in school, there's a good chance that you will have to apply for financial aid. While you might know what this entails in the general sense, you may be unaware of the numerous myths circulating about it. Fortunately, Robert Jain and others will be able to help you realize some of the myths in question. By the end of this piece, you'll have a better understanding of what financial aid is truly about.
"I only have to apply for financial aid once." This isn't exactly true, especially for students that plan on fulfilling multiple years of education. According to names such as Bob Jain, the amount of financial aid that one requires will be different from year to year. What this means is that, in many cases, the FAFSA will have to be filled out and applied with every new semester. Consult your school's financial aid department for specifics.
"I won't be able to obtain financial aid if my family makes too much money." This is another common myth that the record should be set straight on. Simply put, household income isn't the only variable. Even if your family makes considerable money, you might be able to benefit from financial aid if, for example, your grades in high school are exemplary. You may also be able to do so if you scored well on your SATs. There are many factors that contribute to this.
"Financial aid packages are known for being rigid." At first glance, you may believe that the financial aid package you receive is inflexible. The truth of the matter is that, in certain circumstances, you might be able to make adjustments. Of course, you have to make sure that your school will allow these, which is another reason why research and communication with your campus are vital. Regardless, to say that these packages can't be changed would be an oversight.
"If I applied for financial aid, and was denied, I shouldn't apply again." It's important to note that financial aid, as mentioned earlier, is influenced by different factors. What this means is that if you're denied this type of aid one year, this doesn't mean that the result will be the same the year after. This is especially true if you make improvements to your personal finances, such as paying off outstanding debts. Continually apply, all the while making small improvements in your personal life.
"I only have to apply for financial aid once." This isn't exactly true, especially for students that plan on fulfilling multiple years of education. According to names such as Bob Jain, the amount of financial aid that one requires will be different from year to year. What this means is that, in many cases, the FAFSA will have to be filled out and applied with every new semester. Consult your school's financial aid department for specifics.
"I won't be able to obtain financial aid if my family makes too much money." This is another common myth that the record should be set straight on. Simply put, household income isn't the only variable. Even if your family makes considerable money, you might be able to benefit from financial aid if, for example, your grades in high school are exemplary. You may also be able to do so if you scored well on your SATs. There are many factors that contribute to this.
"Financial aid packages are known for being rigid." At first glance, you may believe that the financial aid package you receive is inflexible. The truth of the matter is that, in certain circumstances, you might be able to make adjustments. Of course, you have to make sure that your school will allow these, which is another reason why research and communication with your campus are vital. Regardless, to say that these packages can't be changed would be an oversight.
"If I applied for financial aid, and was denied, I shouldn't apply again." It's important to note that financial aid, as mentioned earlier, is influenced by different factors. What this means is that if you're denied this type of aid one year, this doesn't mean that the result will be the same the year after. This is especially true if you make improvements to your personal finances, such as paying off outstanding debts. Continually apply, all the while making small improvements in your personal life.