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Financial Aid

One of the most often asked questions by students and parents in "How do we get scholarship money to pay for college?"

While there are many programs to assist in paying for college, students and parents should be aware of what they can do to take advantage of these programs.

Grades 9 & 10

Students must take their academic responsibilities seriously. Every high school course counts toward their CPA (Cumulative Percent Average) and Class Rank, and colleges/scholarships will look at the rigor of the coursework a student has pursued. This merit-based scholarship money is also awarded based upon a student's extra-curricular and service record throughout high school, so students are encouraged to make a meaningful contribution to our school and communiity within and beyond the classroom.

Grade 11

Students should be continuing their academic extra-curricular pursuits, as well as taking advantage of the greater opportunity to lead and serve.

There are a few scholarships that are designated for high school juniors. JHS students should keep checking on the daily bulletin (powerschool) and in the scholarship postings in the Trojan College Access. Since most scholarships are open to seniors, juniors should keep checking the scholarship listings to be aware of awards they might apply for next year.

Grade 12

Seniors should check the JHS bulletin (powerschool) and with the Trojan College Access Program regularly to monitor the scholarships available throughout their senior year. Private scholarships vary greatly in their monetary value, criteria, due dates, and the application process; one helpful tool is to create a scholarship/college application calendar with separate folders for each application.

FAFSA (Free Application Ffor Federal Student Aid)

Seniors and their parents should also submit a FAFSA to apply for federal and state need-based programs. The FAFSA will use family information (there is one part for the student and a separate part for parents) to determine the level of need for each student. This level of need-called the EFC, or Expected Family Contribution-then triggers the awarding of grants (free government money) and/or loans.

What you must do...........

Step 1 (Fall of senior year)

Acquire a pin number at the FAFSA web site: www.fafsa.ed.gov. This pin number will allow you to submit your application electronically.

Step 2 (January/February of senior year)

Complete the FAFSA, which can be found at fafsa.ed.gov. Please note that this is a government web site, and the submission is FREE! There are other sites that will attempt to charge you to submit an otherwise free application. The FAFSA will require financial information for the entire year preceding the year you start college, so you must wait until January to start your application.

Check the FAFSA web site for deadlines, but we suggest you submit by March 1st!!