Student loans and scholarships
My grand niece is in her junior year of high school and wants to go to Western Illinois University. She lives in Lake Villa. Her folks cannot help. She is a very good student and does extra curricular stuff. Where does she go to get financial aid including scholarships. I don’t what her to miss opportunities by coming too late to the party. I remember you saying on WGN not too long ago that some aid is first come first served. Thank you Terry. I’m 76 and don’t know a thing about this.
Terry Says
It's lovely of you to take such an interest. First, she should consult with her guidance counselor in high school. They will help her file for financial aid, starting in October this fall. She will have to fill out the FAFSA (free application for Federal Student aid) -- or really her parents will have to demonstrate their need by filling out the form, which includes all income and assets. BUT, NOW is a good time -- in her junior year -- to start looking for scholarships for her first year in college. Go to each of these sites and register: www.Scholarships.com and www. Fastweb.com. Many of these scholarships have requirements that she can start fulfilling this year -- things like community service, or essays. Please encourage her to register at these sites, and start the search. It's free -- but it will take some work to qualify. The application process will take place in the fall, but now is the time to start!
