FINANCIAL AID 101

An important step in the college planning process is determining how to pay for your education.  Remember the costs of going to college include not just the direct costs of tuition, fees, room & board, but also indirect costs such as books, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses for clothing, laundry, entertainment, and recreation.  This FEDERAL STUDENT AID AT A GLANCE flyer can help answer some questions.  In addition, you may be eligible for many different types of aid, including:

• Scholarships: Non-repayable awards based on merit, or merit plus need.
• Grants: Non-repayable awards based on need.
• Loans: Educational loans are available through private lending institutions, colleges, and the federal government.  Federal student loans have low interest rates with payments deferred while the student is enrolled in school.  Loans must be repaid.
• Work-study Programs: Jobs that allow students to earn money towards their expenses while they are enrolled in school.

COLLEGE VISITS

If you are planning to visit a college or university during CHS School Hours, please be sure to supply the Attendance Office with a signed letter from the institution you visit showing your name and date of visit in order to excuse your absence.  You are allowed two college visits each your Junior and Senior year.  Please contact the Attendance Office for complete details.

BISD COLLEGE FAIR

The 2021-2022 BISD College Fair is November 18th at Central Office from 7:00-8:30pm.  Don't miss out on the opportunity to visit withe the representatives to find out what you need to attend their institution.

COUNSELOR LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

Some college applications require a recommendation letter or comments from your counselor.  In that event, you must provide your counselor with a resume and a completed Recommendation Packet, whether the information is to be provided electronically on a form sent from your college or with an actual letter to be mailed to your college.

Please give the counselor three weeks notice (15 school days) to complete the recommendation letter(s) from the date you drop off the packet.