College Decision 2019

2019

A specialty publication of

Content: Top Colleges in Alabama........................................................................................................................1 Financial Aid 101.....................................................................................................................................2 FAFSA Form.............................................................................................................................................2 Baldwin EMC Scholarship.......................................................................................................................3 How Families Today are Paying for College..........................................................................................4 The Ultimate College Prep To Do List....................................................................................................4 SAT vs. ACT...............................................................................................................................................5 How to Find and Apply for Scholarships...............................................................................................6

Top colleges in Alabama Submitted Every year U.S. News & World Report ranks the best colleges in the nation based on SAT/ACT scores and other factors. For 2019, Samford University tops their list of best colleges in Alabama.

The school, located in Birmingham, was named No. 4 in regional universities for the south and No. 2 for best college for veterans in the nation.

Samford University is a private institution that was founded in 1841. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,373, its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 212

acres. It utilizes a 4-1-4-based academic calendar. Samford University’s ranking in the 2019 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities South, 4. Its tuition and fees are $31,650 (2018-19).

Students at Samford can choose from more than 150 majors, minors and concentrations. Graduate degree programs are offered in the Brock School of Business, the Cumberland School of Law and the Orlean Bullard Beeson School of Education, among others. Class sizes at the private university are small. Students complete a core curriculum that includes

courses in communication arts, cultural perspectives and biblical perspectives.

The list of top universities in Alabama is rounded out with the following schools: 2. University of Mobile 3. Huntingdon College 4. Oakwood University 5. Talladega College 6. University of Montevallo 7. University of North Alabama 8. Auburn University – Montgomery 9. Tuskegee University Curious to know who finished first as the best school in the nation? That would be

Princeton University in New Jersey, followed by Harvard University in second place.

The magazine ranks not just the best schools overall but also the best value schools, regional universities,

engineering programs, historically black colleges and universities, business programs and more.

To see all the rankings and lists for 2019 visit www.usnews.com/best-colleges.

2 • College Decision • January 25, 2019 • Gulf Coast Media

Financial Aid 101 www.studentaid.ed.gov The office of Federal Student Aid provides grants, loans, and workstudy funds for college or career school. Each year the office provides more than $120 billion in federal student aid each year to help pay for college or career school.

Who We Are Federal Student Aid, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation. At the office of Federal Student Aid, our more than 1,300 employees help make college education possible for every dedicated mind by providing more than

$120 billion in federal grants, loans, and workstudy funds each year to more than 13 million students paying for college or career school.

What We Do Federal Student Aid is responsible for managing the student financial assistance programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. These programs provide grants, loans, and work-study funds to students attending college or career school.

We ensure students and their families can benefit from these programs by • informing students and families about

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the availability of the federal student aid programs and the process for applying for and receiving aid from those programs; developing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form and processing approximately 20 million FAFSA submissions each year; accurately disbursing, reconciling, and accounting for all federal student aid funds that are delivered to students each year through more than 6,000 colleges and career schools; managing the outstanding federal student loan portfolio and securing repayment from federal student loan borrowers; offering free assistance to students, parents, and borrowers throughout the entire financial aid process; and providing oversight and monitoring of all program participants — schools, financial entities, and students — to ensure

compliance with the laws, regulations, and policies governing the federal student aid programs.

Financial Glossary Work-Study A federal student aid program that provides part-time employment while you are enrolled in school to help pay your education expenses.

Federal Student Aid Programs The programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education

Act of 1965 that provide grants, loans and workstudy funds from the federal government to eligible students enrolled in college or ca...

Federal Student Loan A loan funded by the federal government to help pay for your education. A federal student loan is borrowed money you must repay with interest.

Grant Financial aid, often based on financial need, that does not need to be repaid (unless, for

example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund).

Scholarship Money awarded to students based on academic or other achievements to help pay for education expenses. Scholarships generally do not have to be repaid.

Net Price Calculator A tool that allows current and prospective students, families, and other consumers to estimate the net price of attending a particular college or career school.

FAFSA Form – The most important term for students seeking financial aid What is the FAFSA? To apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study, and loans, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and easier than ever, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or career school.

In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid.

Quick Facts • You have to fill out the FAFSA® form every year you’re in school in order to stay eligible for federal student aid.

• Students looking ahead at college can get an estimate of the aid they may receive. If you’re not ready to file a FAFSA form, you can use FAFSA4caster to estimate your federal student aid.

Am I eligible to receive financial aid?

To be eligible to receive federal student aid, you must: • • Be a citizen or eligible noncitizen of the United States.

• Have a valid Social Security Number.

(Students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau are exempt from this requirement.)

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velopment (GED) certificate, or have completed homeschooling. If you don’t, you may still be eligible for federal student aid if you were enrolled in college or career school prior to July 1, 2012. Go to https://studentaid. ed.gov/eligibility/ basic-criteria for additional information.

Be enrolled in an eligible program as a regular student seeking a degree or certificate.

Maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Not owe a refund on a federal student grant or be in default on a federal student loan.

Register (or already be registered) with the Selective Service System, if you are a male and not currently on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces.

(Students from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau are exempt from registering; see https://sss.gov for more information.)

• Not have a conviction for the possession or sale of illegal drugs for an offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid (such as grants, work-study, or loans). If you have such a conviction, you must complete the Student Aid Eligibility Worksheet to determine if you are eligible for aid or partially eligible for aid.

Many types of federal student aid, such as the Federal Pell Grant or subsidized loans where the government pays the interest while you are in college, also require you to have financial need.

Additionally, once you have a bachelor’sdegree or a first professional degree, you are generally not eligible for Pell or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG).

Other requirements may apply. Contact the financial aid office at your college for more information.

What is a FSA ID,

and will I need it to complete the FAFSA? The FSA ID allows students and parents to identify themselves electronically to access FSA Web sites.

An FSA ID is made up of a username and password and can be used to log into FAFSA on the Web. While you are not required to have an FSA ID to complete and submit a FAFSA on the Web application, it is the fastest way to sign your application and have it processed. It is also the only way to access or correct your information online, or to pre-fill a FAFSA on the Web application with information from your previous year’s FAFSA.

Which FAFSA do I need to fill out?

If you are applying for financial aid for the 2019-2020 school year, you should file a 20192020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

If you are applying for financial aid for the 2018-2019 school year, you should file a 20182019 FAFSA. If you plan to attend summer classes, you should contact your college’s financial aid office to determine which application they accept for summer sessions.

What will I need to fill out the FAFSA? To complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you will need: • Your Social Security Number • Your Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen) • Your federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned. (Note: You may be able to transfer your federal tax return information into your FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.)

• Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable) • Records of untaxed income (if applicable) • An FSA ID to sign electronically.

If you are a dependent student, then you will also need most of the above information for your parent(s).

How long will it take to fill out the FAFSA? It takes most people less than an hour to complete and submit a new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This includes gathering any documents or data needed, completing and reviewing the application, and reading the important information on the “Confirmation” page

you’ll receive after you sign and submit your FAFSA. Independent students who are not required to provide parental information or students who submitted a FAFSA last year and who are doing a Renewal FAFSA take even less time on average.

What are the deadlines for filling out the FAFSA? To be considered for federal student aid for the 2018-2019 award year, you can complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) between Oct. 1, 2017 and midnight Central Time, June 30, 2019. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by midnight Central Time, Sept. 14, 2019.

However, many states and colleges have earlier deadlines for applying for state and institutional financial aid. You can find your state’s deadline at https:// studentaid.ed.gov/sa/ fafsa#deadlines. Check with your college about its deadlines.

Because of the variation in state and college deadlines, it is highly recommended that you fill out the FAFSA as soon as you can after Oct. 1 to ensure that you do not miss out on available aid.

Gulf Coast Media • January 25, 2019 • College Decision • 3

Baldwin EMC’s scholarship opportunities help lower college’s price tag With competitive rates and a not-for-profit status, Baldwin EMC is able to provide electricity at a great value, powering the average member’s home for around $5 a day. However, not every aspect of today’s cost of living is as affordable as electricity. According to the College Board, a not-for-profit organization that promotes higher education, between the 2006-2007 and the 2016-2017 school years, costs for college tuition, room and board rose an average of 3.5 percent per year beyond inflation.

Baldwin EMC was founded in 1937 with a commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of Baldwin County. Even though more than eight decades have passed since then, the cooperative still strives to help the communities it serves to flourish and thrive. One way Baldwin EMC carries out this mission is by providing financial assistance in the form of scholarship opportunities for students seeking to make higher education dreams into realities.

Electric Co-op Foundation In cooperation with the Alabama Rural Electric Association (AREA), Baldwin EMC offers annual scholarships through the Electric Cooperative Foundation, Inc. Available for any high school senior who is a dependent of a member of Baldwin EMC, the Electric Cooperative Foundation awards two $500 scholarships. Applications for this scholarship are available at all three Baldwin EMC offices or online at www.baldwinemc.com. They must be received at AREA no later than Feb. 15.

Operation Round Up The Baldwin EMC Charitable Foundation College Scholarship is funded through Operation Round Up, and provides a student as much as $3,750 annually to pursue a higher education. Applicants are awarded money depending on their academic achievements, character, leadership and financial needs.

Applications for the Charitable Foundation Scholarship are due Feb. 28, and are available at Baldwin EMC or at www.baldwinemc.com.

If you or someone you know has dreams of higher education without a clear plan for how to meet the costs, Baldwin EMC can help. Go to www.baldwinemc. com or call 251-989-6247 to find out more.

4 • College Decision • January 25, 2019 • Gulf Coast Media

How families today are paying for college StatePoint The way families pay for college is a good indicator of how much planning takes place before the first tuition bill arrives. A new study

by Sallie Mae suggests that while families are feeling confident in their decision making, nearly 40 percent do not have a plan to pay for college.

Last year, family income and savings covered 47 percent of all college expenses, according to “How America Pays for College 2018,” the national study from Sallie Mae — the nation’s saving, planning, and paying for college company — and Ipsos, an independent global market research company.

The annual report examines how families pay for college, how much they spent, and how they made their funding decisions. The average

amount spent on college in 2017-18 was $26,458.

While income and savings cover the largest portion of college costs, scholarships and grants cover 28 percent of college costs, and students and parents use loans to account for 24 percent of college costs. Extended

family and friends paid an additional 2 percent of college costs.

While no single resource is used by all families, the most prevalent college funding sources — scholarships, grants, and parent income — are each used by about three in five

families, with scholarships being the single most-used resource. In addition, 57 percent of families used scholarships last year, paying for almost a fifth of total college costs. Unfortunately, about a third of families don’t even apply for scholarship opportu-

nities.

More than half of families, 53 percent, borrowed money to help pay for college last year and two-thirds of these families said they had always planned to borrow to pay for college. When it comes to planning to repay loans, however, 39 percent of families say they haven’t researched any repayment topics.

“It’s gratifying that families are so confident in the financial decisions they make regarding paying for college,” says Raymond J. Quinlan, chairman and CEO, Sallie Mae. “Still, there’s more work to do to equip families with the tools and information that will help them manage education expenses, whether it be applying for financial aid earlier in the process or taking steps to minimize student loan financing costs.”

When it comes to

completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, (FAFSA), three-quarters of families report filing the form last year. However, the majority of them are not taking advantage of the earlier availability of the form: 69 percent of families are waiting until January or later to complete the FAFSA, which is now available on Oct. 1, and are potentially missing out on aid that’s awarded firstcome, first-served.

The complete report and other resources are available at SallieMae. com/HowAmericaPaysForCollege. To join the conversation, use #HowAmericaPays. For more information, or to start your plan to pay for college, visit SallieMae. com.

Experts say that with the right tools and knowledge, families can develop a smart strategy for paying for college.

The ultimate college prep to do list The college journey begins long before dorm move-in day. To know what steps you should be taking, visit https:// studentaid.ed.gov/sa/ prepare-for-college/ checklists Here you will find checklists for every grade of high school and even middle school and elementary school to help you plan your college journey.

The lists include must-do’s for students as well as parents.

Below find the list for high school students and their parents:

9TH GRADE Ninth grade is an important year in a student’s college-preparation journey.

Learn how a student can have a well-rounded experience in high school and how a parent can support his or her child.

Students To Do: • Take challenging classes in core academic subjects. Most colleges require four years of English, at least three years of social studies (history, civics, geography, economics, etc.), three years of mathematics, and three years of science, and many require two years of a foreign language. Round out your course load with classes in computer science and the arts.

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parents to estimate your financial aid using FAFSA4caster and be sure to save for college.

Get involved in schoolor community-based activities that interest you or let you explore career interests.

Consider working, volunteering, and/ or participating in academic enrichment programs, summer workshops, and camps with specialty focuses such as music, arts, or science. Remember — it’s quality (not quantity) that counts.

Ask your guidance counselor or teachers what Advanced Placement courses are available, whether you are eligible, and how to enroll in them.

Use the U.S. Department of Labor’s career search tool to research your career options.

Start a list of your awards, honors, paid and volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. Update it throughout high school.

To Explore: • Check out KnowHow2Go: The Four Steps to College, which suggests some actions you can take as you start thinking about education beyond high school.

• Learn about managing your money.

• Explore reasons to consider college and ways you can get help

preparing.

Parents To Do: • Talk to your child about college plans as if he or she will definitely go to college.

• Keep an eye on your child’s study habits and grades — stay involved.

• Encourage your child to take Advanced Placement or other challenging classes.

• Add to your child’s college savings account regularly; and make sure you are fully aware of the provisions of the account.

To Explore: • Address your concerns about whether your child can or should go to college.

• Read “Parent Power” to access ideas for remaining involved in your child’s progress.

10TH GRADE There’s a lot a 10thgrade student can do to stay on the right track toward college, and a lot a parent can do to help.

Take a look at these tips for thinking about the future, managing time, taking standardized tests, and more.

Students To Do: • Meet with your school counselor or mentor to discuss colleges and their requirements.

• Consider taking a practice Preliminary

SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT), or check out the ACT Aspire exam “sandbox.”

• Plan to use your summer wisely: Work, volunteer, or take a summer course (away or at a local college).

• Go to career information events to get a more detailed look at career options.

• Research majors that might be a good fit with your interests and goals based on your results from the U.S. Department of Labor’s career search.

To Explore:

• Learn the differences between grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.

Parents To Do: • Find out whether your child’s school has college nights or financial aid nights.

Plan to attend those events with your child.

• Help your child develop independence by encouraging him or her to take responsibility for balancing homework with any other activities or a part-time job.

To Explore: • Learn about the standardized tests your child will be taking during 10th through 12th grades.

• Get a brief overview of financial aid from Federal Student Aid at a Glance

11TH GRADE For both students and parents, it’s crucial to stay on top of college preparation during the 11th-grade year and the following summer.

Here’s what you should be doing — including looking into careers, searching for scholSEE LIST, PAGE

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SAT vs ACT The PRINCETON REVIEW Many students and parents begin the college prep process by comparing the ACT and SAT. Two of the most common questions they ask are: • Is the ACT easier than the SAT? • Do colleges prefer

scores from the SAT or ACT? The SAT and ACT generally test the same types of content. Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions and merit-based scholarships. The biggest differences between the tests are that the ACT has a Science Test,

and there’s one SAT Math Section for which you cannot use a calculator. Colleges don’t prefer one over the other, so explore both tests to decide which one is right for you.

ACT versus SAT: How do I choose?

The best way to decide if the SAT or ACT is right for you is to take a timed full-length practice test in each. Since the content and style of the SAT and ACT are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you

find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit.

For example, the pace of the SAT gives you a tad more time to think through problems, while the ACT can be more of a time crunch. Some students really thrive under the pressure of the clock,

while others prefer the extra time to ponder a question.

Take the free practice test by visiting https:// www.princetonreview. com/college/sat-act Princeton Review can also help students with test prep and private tutoring options.

SAT ACT Why Take It

Colleges use SAT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships.

Colleges use ACT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships.

Test Structure • Reading • English • Writing & Language • Math • Math • Reading • Essay (Optional) • Science Reasoning • Essay (Optional) Length

• 3 hours (without essay) • 3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay)

• 2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay) • 3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay)

Reading 5 reading passages 4 reading passages Science None 1 science section testing your critical thinking skills (not your specific science knowledge) Math Covers: Covers: • Arithmetic • Arithmetic • Algebra I & II • Algebra I & II

• Geometry, Trigonometry and Data Analysis • Geometry and Trigonometry Calculator Policy

Some math questions don’t allow you to use a calculator.

You can use a calculator on all math questions.

Essays Optional. The essay will test your comprehension of a source text.

Optional. The essay will test how well you evaluate and analyze complex issues.

How It's Scored

Scored on a scale of 400–1600

Scored on a scale of 1–36

6 • College Decision • January 25, 2019 • Gulf Coast Media

How to find and apply for scholarships StatePoint Savvy students and families know that scholarships can play an integral role in meeting college costs.

To help students and families find and apply for scholarships, Sallie Mae, the nation’s saving, planning, and paying for college company, is offering six tips:

Get an early start.

Apply for scholarships your junior year of high school and every year in college. Approximately 50 percent of available scholarships are for stu-

dents already enrolled in college. There are also many scholarships available for graduate school.

Don’t miss out To qualify for $150 billion in financial aid, including scholarships, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Schools use the FAFSA to put together financial aid packages, states use it to determine eligibility for state aid, and it’s required for many scholarship applications. Some aid is awarded on a firstcome, first-served basis, or from programs with

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arships, and keeping the savings account on track.

Students To Do: All Year • Explore careers and their earning potential with the Occupational Outlook Handbook search tool. Or, for a fun interactive tool, try this career search.

• Learn about choosing a college and find a link to our free college search tool.

• Go to college fairs and college-preparation presentations hosted by college representatives.

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• Take the PSAT/ NMSQT. You must take the test in 11th grade to qualify for scholarships and programs associated with the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Spring • Register for and take exams for college admission. The standardized tests that many colleges require are the SAT, the SAT Subject Tests, and the ACT. Check with the colleges you are interested in to see what tests they require.

• Use a free scholarship search to find scholarships for which you might want to apply.

Some deadlines fall as early as the summer between 11th and 12th grades, so prepare now to submit applications soon.

Summer Before 12th Grade • Create a username and password called an FSA ID that you’ll use to confirm your identity when accessing your government

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financial aid information and electronically signing your federal student aid documents. Learn about the FSA ID, and create yours. Note: You must create your own FSA ID; if your parent creates it for you, that’ll cause confusion later and will slow down the financial aid application process. (By the way, you can watch a video about creating your FSA ID below.)

Narrow down the list of colleges you are considering attending.

If you can, visit the schools that interest you.

Contact colleges to request information and applications for admission. Ask about financial aid, admission requirements, and deadlines.

Decide whether you are going to apply for admission under a particular college’s early decision, early action, or regular decision program. Be sure to learn about the program deadlines and requirements.

Use the FAFSA4caster financial aid estimator, and compare the results to the actual costs at the colleges to which you will apply.

To supplement any aid FAFSA4caster estimates you might receive, be sure to apply for scholarships. Your goal is to minimize the amount of loan funds you borrow so you have less to pay back later.

To Explore: • Find out what government financial aid you can apply for, and how, in Federal Student Aid at a Glance.

• Learn how to avoid scholarship scams and identity theft as you look for financial aid and then attend college.

Parents

limited funds, so the earlier families fill out the FAFSA, the better.

Remember, not everything is a deal Never pay for scholarships and be wary of “guaranteed” money.

Don’t be lured in by sites or organizations that charge a fee to access scholarship applications.

School counselors and school financial aid offices can recommend reputable options.

Even small savings count Many scholarships may just be for a few

To Do: • Create your own FSA ID if you don’t have one yet. (The FSA ID is a username and password that you’ll use for such purposes as signing your child’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid.) Note: You must create your own FSA ID. If your child creates it for you, or if you create your child’s, that’ll cause confusion later and will slow down the financial aid application process. (Need help? You and your child should watch the “How to Create Your FSA ID” video above.)

• Take a look at your financial situation, and be sure you’re on the right track to pay for college.

• Talk to your child about the schools he or she is considering.

Ask why those schools appeal to your child, and help him or her clarify goals and priorities.

• Attend college fairs with your child, but don’t take over the conversation with the college representatives. Just listen, and let your child do the talking.

• Take your child to visit college campuses, preferably when classes are in session.

• Make sure your child is looking into or already has applied for scholarships.

• Ask your employer whether scholarships are available for employees’ children.

To Explore: • Get in-depth information on the federal student aid programs.

• Find out how the federal student aid application process works.

• Learn about student and parent loans in Federal Student Loans: Basics for Students and Federal

hundred dollars, but these can add up and can be used for a variety of college expenses. Apply for as many as possible — you’ll be surprised how much you can earn.

Take advantage of doorbusters Some scholarships awards are as easy as showing up and registering. Sallie Mae, for example, offers a $1,000 monthly sweepstakes for those who sign up for its free college planning tools.

Keep an eye out for unique gifts

Student Loans: Direct PLUS Loan Basics for Parents.

12TH GRADE Senior year is the time to apply for admission to college and to apply for federal student aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. Here’s what students and parents should be doing throughout the year to stay on track at this busy time — including learning how to manage federal student aid.

Students To Do: All Year • Work hard all the way to graduation — second-semester grades can affect scholarship eligibility.

• Stay involved in after-school activities, and seek leadership roles if possible.

Fall • As soon as possible after its Oct. 1 release, complete and submit your FAFSA® form at fafsa.gov, along with any other financial aid applications your chosen school(s) may require. You should submit your FAFSA form by the earliest financial aid deadline of the schools to which you are applying, usually by early February.

• After you submit the FAFSA form, you should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) within three days to three weeks.

This document lists your answers to the questions on your FAFSA form and gives you some basic information about your aid eligibility. Quickly make any necessary corrections and submit them to the FAFSA processor.

• If you haven’t done so

Scholarships are not limited to athletics and academics. There is free money for college for just about any interest, including awards for left-handed students, skateboarders, and bakers.

To find additional tips and to register for Sallie Mae’s Scholarship Search, home to 5 million scholarships collectively worth more than $24 billion, or the recently launched Graduate School Scholarship Search, home to 850,000 graduate school scholarships worth more than

already, register for and take the standardized tests required for college admission.

Check with the colleges you are interested in to see what tests they require.

• Apply to the colleges you have chosen. Prepare your applications carefully. Follow the instructions, and PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DEADLINES! • Well before your college application deadlines, ask your counselor and teachers to submit the required documents (e.g., transcript, letters of recommendation) to the colleges to which you’re applying.

• Complete any last scholarship applications.

Spring • Visit colleges that have invited you to enroll.

• Review your college acceptances and compare the colleges’ financial aid offers.

• Contact a school’s financial aid office if you have questions about the aid that school has offered you. In fact, getting to know your financial aid staff early is a good idea no matter what — they can tell you about deadlines, other aid for which you might wish to apply, and important paperwork you might need to submit.

• When you decide which school you want to attend, notify that school of your commitment and submit any required financial deposit.

Many schools require this notification and deposit by May 1.

To Explore: • Understand the FAFSA process better by watching the videos in the “FAFSA: Apply for Aid” playlist

$1 billion, visit www.salliemae.com. After filling out a brief profile, students are matched with relevant scholarships, their award amounts, application requirements, and deadlines. The tool automatically sends updates when it identifies new matches.

“Scholarships are one of the most prevalent funding sources families use to help pay for college,” said Martha Holler, senior vice president, Sallie Mae. “The key is knowing where to find them, and how to apply.

at YouTube.com/FederalStudentAid. • Follow or like the office of Federal Student Aid at Twitter. com/FAFSA and Facebook.com/FederalStudentAid to get regular financial aid tips.

• Make informed decisions about student loans; the following resources are important at this point: - Federal Versus Private Loans - Federal Student Loans: Basics for Students

Parents To Do: • Work with your child on filling out the FAFSA form.

To Explore: • Make sure your child’s personal information is safe when he or she applies for financial aid. For tips, read Federal Student Aid and Identity Theft.

• Read IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education to see how you might benefit from federal income tax credits for education expenses.

• Understand the benefits of federal student loans.

• Help your child learn about the responsibilities involved in accepting a student loan by reviewing “What should I consider when taking out federal student loans?” with him or her.

• Look at communications from schools to which your child sent FAFSA information.

If a school has offered you or your child Direct PLUS Loans, the Federal Student Loans: Basics for Students and Federal Student Loans: Direct PLUS Loan Basics for Parents booklets might be useful to you.

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8 • College Decision • January 25, 2019 • Gulf Coast Media