1. Apply Early - "The early bird get the financial aid" The financial aid process is not the time to procrastinate. Financial Aid is distributed on a first -come, first-served basis in most cases. If you wait too long, chances are the "free money"; grants and scholarships will be gone.
2. Save Your Money - Understand that you do not need to pay for an online service to help you complete your financial aid forms or research scholarships. There are a number of free services and professionals who can help you to complete forms appropriately to obtain all the aid for which you are eligible.
3. Don't Assume -Don't assume that you will or will not be eligible for money based on any one characteristic like income or grades. Leave financial aid decisions to the people who are financial aid professionals. Apply for financial aid regardless of your income and plan ahead so that you know what ot expect from the process. Ask financial aid professionals to help you understand your eligibility.
