College expenses can be a daunting obstacle when planning for post-secondary education.  Applying for scholarships requires research, discipline in completing required forms, and attention to deadlines.  Most universities require parents to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as the first step in applying for scholarships and grants.  This form requires information from the parents’ latest tax forms.  Parents of high school seniors are wise to submit tax returns expediently so that accurate information may be shared with desired post-secondary institutions. Scholarships are generally classified according to academic merit, talent, or financial need.  Admissions/ Financial Aid officers review applications, review FAFSA and other financial reports, and then calculate the expected family contribution (EFC) to meet college costs. When EFC’s are low, students may be eligible for the aforementioned categories of scholarships or grants.

For your convenience, several helpful links to scholarship information are provided below.  Best of luck in your search for financial aid!

SCHOLARSHIPS:

Military:

• Military Child Program
• NC Division of Veterans Affairs Scholarship
• Veteran's Benefits
• Post 9/11 GI Bill Transfer
• Scholarships for Children of Veterans
• The Ultimate Guide to Scholarships for Military Dependents
• Wings Over America Scholarships

Athletics:

• NCAA Eligibility Center

General Scholarship Searches:

• Major Clarity Scholarships
  
• AES Scholarship
• Cappex
• Charles Ullman Scholarship
• College Board Scholarship Search
• College Board Opportunity Scholarship
• Cumberland Community Foundation
• Florence Kidder Memorial Scholarship 
• 45+ College Scholarships For Minority Students
• FTCC Scholarships
• Gates Millennium Scholarship
• Golden Door Scholars
• Horatio Alger Scholarship
• Intertribal Timber Council Scholarships
• Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
• Jackie Robinson Foundation
• Native American Indian Education Fund
• North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program
• Questbridge Junior Prep Scholars Program
• Questbridge National College Match
• Robert H. Short Scholars Program
• Scholarship Smore
• Scholarships By State
• Student Services Scholarship
• SUNS Program
• UNC Charlotte Levine Scholars Program
• Unigo
• FINANCIAL AID  INFORMATION:

North Carolina

• North Carolina Association of Financial Aid Administrators
• North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority

National

• Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Resume Builder

• Resume Builder Tutorial
  
• Major Clarity Resume Builder

Career Exploration

• Major Clarity Career Exploration

Additional Resources:

• ACT-information about the ACT test, registration tips, test prep, test dates.
• SAT- SAT Information
• CFNC-helping you plan, apply and pay for college
• Lunch Application- completing this and being approved for free/reduced lunch will allow your senior to be eligible for  fee waivers for the SAT, ACT, and even some college applications.