Hi all! I'm potentially thinking about going to Georgia Military College in Augusta. Could anybody point me to some information on how to navigate their financial aid process? I'm clueless and it's seriously stressing me out.
Hello! There's no need to stress; navigating the financial aid process at any college, including Georgia Military College, follows pretty similar steps.
The financial aid process primarily begins with the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA allows you to be considered for federal grants, loans, and work-studies. Remember, the FAFSA does not calculate an expected family contribution (EFC) as it used to; it now calculates a student aid index (SAI). This shift won't dramatically impact how much aid you receive.
But just filing the FAFSA isn't the end. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Complete the FAFSA: Start by filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For accurate results, ensure you use your correct/legal financial information. The site is fafsa.gov, and the earlier you fill it out, the better since some aid is first-come, first-served.
2. Check for updates: After submitting, keep checking the FAFSA site or your email for updates. You may be required to provide more details or documents.
3. Review your aid offer: If you're accepted to Georgia Military College, they'll send you a financial aid offer. This will outline the grants, scholarships, work-study options, and loans you can receive. You're not required to accept everything on that offer—especially if it contains loans.
4. Search for Scholarships: In addition to the FAFSA, apply for scholarships. Scholarships reduce the financial burden significantly, since they don't need to be paid back. Georgia Military College has its own scholarship opportunities, which you should check out, in addition to national and private scholarships.
5. State & Institutional Aid: Some states offer their own financial aid programs. Look into what Georgia might offer. Georgia Military College has a financial aid office you can contact for more assistance.
6. Stay on top of deadlines: Ensure you know when all these applications are due. This includes the FAFSA, state aid, and any scholarships you're applying to.
Take each step one at a time and remember that you have resources and people to help you through this process. Don't hesitate to reach out to the financial aid office at Georgia Military College with your questions. They're there to assist you. Good luck!
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