When you get accepted to a college, the sheer joy may be enough to make you forget to read the entire letter carefully. Here are a few things you want to look for when reading your college award letter (after your victory dance – you earned it).
- Discern what costs are covered by your college award – Some awards cover direct costs, but others cover your entire cost of attendance. Direct costs mean that you are only receiving an award for your tuition and direct expenses like room and board. Your entire cost of attendance will include your books, any supplies you require, transportation to and from school, and even a small stipend for personal expenses.
- Consider the number of years your scholarship lasts – You may have been awarded a scholarship for all four years of college. However, sometimes the school just offers the first year. It may be renewable from year to year based on maintaining a certain GPA or performance in extracurricular activities.
- The letter should inform you of the school’s fees – Colleges may charge a common fee, lab fee, or even a fee for engaging in certain extracurricular programs. You may think you are going to pay nothing and then get hit with hundreds of dollars in fees per semester, so be sure to read carefully.
College Planning Assistance for Students and Families
College Planning Source provides the assistance you need when preparing for the college admissions process or even when financially planning for your education. Call 858.676.0700 today, or you can request your free college assessment online. And don’t forget to sign up for our webinars regarding college funding and financial aid.
