Hi there bloggers,

This will be my last blog of the year and I hope these blogs have been informative and helpful.

I know my colleague Amanda and I have thrown a lot of financial aid information and jargon your way over the past six months but from the great feedback we’ve received from our readers, it sounds like you made it through the financial aid application process just fine.

Just to reiterate a few important points…..
1. know what your school’s deadlines are
2. file your FAFSA as early as possible
3. answer all questions- don’t leave blanks unless instructed to do so
4. take your time so mistakes don’t occur
5. keep copies of all documents
6. don’t ignore any requests for additional information
7. ask for help if you need it
8. borrow your Stafford Loans wisely and responsibly
9. know your rights and responsibilities
10. keep track of all your loans and who your servicer is
11. know when your repayment begins

Financial aid needs to be applied for every year and your school will have deadlines. Know what these deadlines are so that you don’t miss out on any aid that you could have been eligible for.

Research private scholarships and try to minimize your loans. There are many great programs and sites out there like: The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, Dollars for Scholars, Fastweb Scholarship Search, and College Board Scholarship Search.

If you have a question, or just not sure how the financial aid process works, there’s an abundance of help out there: http://www.studentaid.ed.gov, The Center for College Planning at the NHHEAF Network Organizations,  Joe College past blogs, and any financial aid office would be happy to answer your questions.

I wish you all a successful year at college. Have a great summer!

Best,
Lisa