By Toma Lynn Smith
Like Nick Clark, a sophomore political science major, many students would not be able to attend the University of Louisville without financial aid.
Unfortunately, he and other students fail to get their financial aid documentation in by the deadline.
Kentucky’s deadline for “priority consideration” of applications for aid, is March 15.
Applications are accepted after this date, but the amount of aid received can be affected.
Michael Abboud, Associate Director of University of Louisville’s financial aid department said, “Applying early will maximize a student’s [award package].”
A financial aid package from U of L could include scholarships, grants, that do not have to be paid back and loans, all of which comes from state and federal funding.
Access to some of these options, will go to those who file early.
U of L’s financial office is making an effort to emphasize how important this is by having drawings for a Fall 2007, $200 University Grant for current students who renew their federal student financial aid form before March 15.
In some cases funding can be obtained privately for education loans and scholarships.
The financial aid Web site, http://louisville.edu, has information of what is available and the eligibility requirements for their various programs.
Abboud recommends using their online tool, “Start to Finish” to help with the application process, while emphasizing the importance of accuracy when applying for aid.
For instance, social security numbers are verified by the government, and the name listed must match any other records they have on file. For example, a person who goes by Mike must use Michael if that is his birth name.
Having a financial aid form returned due to incorrect information can delay the process.
A web worksheet can be picked up at the financial office to help with the online application process,
There are several documents needed to file for aid, the most important being a W-2 and an income tax return from the previous year.
The worksheet offers more details of what is needed.
It is possible to proceed with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid without an income tax form by marking “Will File” and estimating earnings.
However, Abboud said that there could be a possible follow-up, rather or not taxes were filed and the income reported is valid. Accuracy is everything.
Aid for school including tuition costs, books, housing and any other applicable fees can be merit-based or need-based.
Brittany England, a freshman biology major, graduated at the top of her high school class, qualifying her for scholarships.
England received shcolarships and funds from Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship, that covered her collge espenses.
She started early in her quest to get money for school, searching the Internet and with the help of her guidance counselor.
Without aid,”[I] would not be able to go to school,” said England.
Toma Lynn Smith is a junior majoring in English. E-mail her at features@louisvillcardinal.com.
