We’ve rounded up two of Zinch’s higher ed experts and former admissions directors, Bob Patterson and Gil Rogers, to answer questions from YOU about all things college.
In this edition of From the Desk of Bob & Gil, Jeff asks…
“Where do I apply for a pell grant after my FAFSA is completed? It says I am eligible but I don’t know how to get the grant??”
Bob, a former Director of Admissions at Stanford University, Associate Director at University of Pittsburgh, UNC Chapel Hill, and UC Berkeley, shares from his personal experiences…
You are automatically considered for the Pell Grant upon completing your FAFSA form. When the awards are made you need to go to the financial aid office, after you officially enroll in the school, and sign the appropriate paperwork. Most schools want you to sign the Pell Grant paperwork as well as any promissory notes if you are taking loans or receiving aid from the institution.
Gil, a former Admissions Counselor at the University of Hartford and Associate Director of Admissions at University of New Haven, shares his insights…
The great thing about federally funded aid programs is you are automatically considered for them at the time of applying for financial aid. By filing a FAFSA you are applying for a Pell Grant, as well as all other federal financial aid programs.
I recommend filing your FAFSA as early as possible and being sure to list all of the schools you want it sent to. I also recommend your family sign up for Zinch’s Parent’s Guide to Making College More Affordable, which is a series of web-based courses intended to support you through the financial aid process.
Confused about an application? Anxious over admission? Freaking out about financial aid? Send in your questions or leave them in a comment for Bob & Gil to post a response.