I'm looking into George Mason University and I'm a bit confused about how their financial aid process works. Does anyone have experience with applying for aid here? Any tips or insights on scholarships they offer would be great!
If you're seeking financial aid at George Mason University (GMU), the first step you should take is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This government application is used by GMU - among other schools - to assess eligibility for need-based financial aid, such as federal and state grants, work-study, and federally guaranteed student loans. The FAFSA becomes available on October 1st each year, and it's great to complete it as soon as possible, as some aid can be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
In terms of scholarships, GMU offers a variety of merit-based scholarships for incoming students based on different factors, such as academic achievement and leadership experiences. For example, the university's Patriot scholarship is awarded to first-year students who have demonstrated strong academic achievement, while the Deans' Excellence scholarships rewards academically talented students from diverse backgrounds.
Remember to pay close attention to the deadlines and requirements for each scholarship you're interested in, as they can vary. Some scholarships may automatically consider you upon admission, whereas others may require separate applications.
In addition to school-administered aid, don't forget about external scholarships. There are thousands of them available, awarded by organizations, businesses, and foundations. Tools such as Appily can help filter scholarships that fit your criteria.
Lastly, if you're not sure about something or have more specific questions, don't hesitate to reach out to the office of financial aid at GMU. They're there to help potential and current students navigate the financial aid process. They are best able to provide the most up-to-date information on GMU's financial aid processes and offerings.
Good luck on your journey to obtaining financial aid for college! It's a process, but there are many resources out there to help you along the way.
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