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Prepping for College: Financial Aid for Seniors

Writer's picture: Clarion StaffClarion Staff

By Lucy Thao and Evan Villar, Clarion Web Managers


Attention Seniors! This is what you need to know about financial aid for college. Navigating how to apply for financial aid, scholarships, grants, and loans can be overwhelming. Hopefully the information given can help guide you on how to start.


What is Financial Aid?

Financial aid is funding that helps students pay for college or vocational school. There are many different forms of financial aid.

1. Scholarships -Awards based on merit, talent, and other factors.

2. Loans - Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. 

3. Work-Study - Programs where students work part-time to earn money for school expenses.

4. Grants - Free money that doesn't have to be repaid, may be based on financial need.  



FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is what you should start with. In California all seniors are required to complete a FAFSA application or submit an opt-out form. Completing this form will help you gain access to federal grants, loans, and many more other opportunities. It is better to get your application in as soon as possible as you are able to have access to more aid.

There are a few steps to fill out the application, information about parents and financial status is needed. 


The DEADLINE for submitting a FAFSA form is no later than Monday, MARCH 3, 2025. 


Loans

Loans can be helpful but make sure to understand how they work and borrow wisely. 

1. Federal loans - These loans are funded by the federal government.

2. Private student loans: These loans are non federal loans, made by a lender such as a bank, credit union, state agency, or a school.

3. Difference between subsidized and unsubsidized loans (Federal Loans only)

Subsidized loans - The borrower isn’t generally responsible for paying interest while in a school.

Unsubsidized loans - Loans for both undergraduate and graduate that are not based on financial need.


Who to go to for more information and help?

For more information you should look at studentaid.gov or ask your counselor and Ms.Prasad at the college and career center here at John F Kennedy. Make sure to also check your school emails, information about deadlines and financial aid are going out regularly to help you. If you are a senior and are not in the google classroom for the Counseling Senior Class of 2025 make sure to stop by or email Ms.Prasad or your counselor to join. Also check out our JFK counseling, college and career website for more information and resources. 


Cal-SOAP

Cal-SOAP is also a good resource to go to for help. Go follow our local Cal-Soap team on Instagram @sacramentocalsoap for weekly scholarship offers and information. 


If you don’t know who your Counselor is, here is how you know(based on your last name):

Ms. Reed: A-Da

Mr. Martinez: De-J

Mrs. Fraley: K-O

Ms. Avelar: P-Sh

Ms.Nguyen: Si-Z

Ms. Prasad: College & Career


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