year. The dates are set by the state with no make-ups. SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF ALL TEST PORTIONS IS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION.

TAKS study guides and other resources can be accessed through the Texas Education Agency’s website at: www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/resources/guides/study/index.html.

Financial aid eligibility

To be eligible you must

Have financial need

 Have a high school diploma or GED

 Be enrolled in an eligible program

 Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen

 Register with Selective Service, if required

 Complete forms as required

 Make satisfactory academic progress

Financial aid eligibility is the difference between the cost of education and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). A federal formula performs a need analysis to determine the EFC. The cost of education includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation and miscellaneous expenses.

1. Parent or independent adult student must complete a (FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid) after income taxes have been completed. The form should be completed on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov after January 1. It is highly recommended the application be completed on-line. This form is needed every year the student attends a college or university.

2. Students will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) after the FAFSA is processed. Information is also sent to the college(s) named on the FAFSA.

3. The student’s selected College Financial Aid Office(s) will send an award letter to the student indicating the types of aid the student is eligible to receive. Compare and contrast Financial Aid awards using amount of loans as a determination.

4. Students should check with the college(s) they expect to attend – additional applications/forms may be required.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The most comprehensive scholarship search website is www.fastweb.com. Another user-friendly website available to Birdville students is E-Scholarships at http://collegeguidanceconsultants.com/texas. The user ID is birdville and the password is birdville (use all lower case letters). Additional sources of scholarship information are the colleges. Read carefully the eligibility requirements and whether the application must be sent for or the application must be obtained in the counseling office. Contact your college concerning financial aid information, applications, and deadlines.

Other sources of information for private scholarships:

There are organizations collecting money for helping you do scholarship searches. Many even guarantee you money. YOU still have to complete the forms and qualify for the scholarship. My belief as a school counselor is that you do not need to pay for this service. Don’t get scammed.