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Wednesday, March 06, 2002

By Megan Murphy

Among the challenges of college exploration is learning about financial assistance. Families may feel anxiety about financing a college education, but financial aid can make the college of choice financially possible.

The financial aid search should begin soon after the search for a college begins -- usually in the sophomore or junior year of high school. Early preparations should include a family discussion on college financing, but other steps are necessary to apply for financial aid:

	Megan Murphy is dean of admissions and enrollment management at Allegheny College. Looking Ahead is a series of columns aimed at high school students planning to attend college.

The financial aid process is separate from the admissions process. When you request admissions information from colleges, obtain information on the types of and procedures for financial aid from each college, too.

Ask high school guidance counselors for information about privately funded scholarships and grants. Contact organizations that may offer scholarships, such as local civic groups, professional associations and businesses, or your church or temple.

High school seniors soon realize that applying for financial aid involves completing several forms. The following tips may help high school seniors throughout this process:

Different forms and deadlines often exist for admissions, federal financial aid and private scholarships. Make a calendar that includes a list of each form and deadline.

Use online search services to find private scholarships based on your personal information. A word of caution: Check with the Federal Trade Commission or a financial aid officer to ensure that a service is reputable. Avoid scholarship services that require a fee.

The most important form is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which is required for consideration of any federally sponsored financial aid. Many colleges and universities also base your family's contribution to tuition and costs on the information you provide on that application. The form should be completed after Jan. 1 of the calendar year you will attend college. Complete the application by filing online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.

A quality education can seem expensive -- but financial aid makes the investment of college more manageable.