My Future, My Way: First Steps Toward College

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MY FUTURE, MY WAY

FIRST STEPS TOWARD COLLEGE

A Workbook for Middle and Junior High School Students

Figure

Page 3

MY FUTURE, MY WAY

FIRST STEPS TOWARD COLLEGE

A Workbook for Middle and Junior High School Students

Figure

Page 4

U.S. Department of Education Betsy DeVos Secretary

Federal Student Aid A. Wayne Johnson Chief Operating Officer

Customer Experience OfficeJay HurtActing Chief Customer Experience OfficerJuly 2017

Except as otherwise noted, the content of this publication is not protected by copyright. See below for a list of photo and image credits. Authorization to reproduce this publication in whole or in part is granted. While permission to reprint this publication is not necessary, the citation should be U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid, Customer Experience Office, My Future, My Way: First Steps Toward College—A Workbook for Middle and Junior High School Students, Washington, D.C., 2017.

Updates:

For any changes to federal student aid programs since this booklet was

printed, please visit

StudentAid.gov

Cover photo: Getty Images/fstop123

Photo of bookshelf on page 18 is by Joshua Hoover, U.S. Department of Education, and all other

photos except as noted below are by Andrew Jones, U.S. Department of Education.

Dental Hygienist, Nurse, Doctor (pages 12, 13, 16): Amanda Bendis

Church (page 17): Jeffrey Jones

Moon (page 17): Image courtesy NASA/JSC/ASU

Military clothing (page 29): Getty Images/Thomas Northcut

To order copies of this publication:

Students and Parents

Order online at edpubs.gov Email your request to edpubs@edpubs.ed.govCall in your request toll free: 1-877-433-7827 (1-877-4-ED-PUBS) Those who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a teletypewriter (TTY) for the hard of hearing should call 1-877-576-7734.

Link

Counselors, Mentors, and Other Professionals

Link

Order online at FSAPubs.gov Email your request to orders@fsapubs.gov Call in your request toll free: 1-800-394-7084 Those who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a teletypewriter (TTY) for the hard of hearing should call 1-877-576-7734.

Online Access

This publication is also available at

StudentAid.gov/resources#my-future

Alternate Formats

On request, this publication is available in alternate formats, such as Braille.

For more information, please contact Federal Student Aid using the information

provided above.

Some of the web addresses in this publication are for sites created and

maintained by organizations other than the U.S. Department of Education.

They are provided for the reader’s convenience. The U.S. Department of

Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness,

or completeness of this outside information. Further, the inclusion of particular

web addresses is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to

endorse any views expressed or products or services offered on these outside

sites, or the organizations sponsoring the sites.

All web addresses included in this publication were accurate at press time.

Find detailed federal student aid information at

StudentAid.gov

Page 5

MY FUTURE, MY WAY

FIRST STEPS TOWARD COLLEGE

Are you thinking about attending college or a

career school* after you graduate from high

school? Start here to learn how to prepare

for and pay for your education beyond high

school. Start asking questions now. Talk

to your teachers, your parents, your older

siblings, or to other mentors. After all, it’s

YOUR future.

Begin to discover your college and financial

aid options today!

* When we refer to “career school,” we mean a school, such as a vocational

or trade school, that offers programs of study that take two years or less to

complete.

CONTENTS

WHEN Should I Begin Thinking About College?

WHY Think About College Now?

......................

WHAT Can a College Education Do for Me?

.......

WHERE Do I Start?

....................................

WHO Can Help Me Go to College?

.................

HOW Will I Pay for College?

........................

NOW What? Next Steps

..............................

Page 7

WHEN Should I Begin Thinking About College?

It is never too early to plan for college. We recommend that students begin seriously thinking about college when they enter the middle school grades (sixth through eighth grade).

In this book, when we say “college,” we mean

•

public and private four-year colleges and universities;

•

two-year community colleges or junior colleges; and career schools.

Figure

Pretend that you could create the perfect college. What type of school would be just right for you?

Answer the following questions to help you create your dream school.

1. Where would this college be located (state, city)?

2. What size would the school be?

3. What classes would you take (computer, theater)?

4. What types of social activities would be offered (sports, clubs)?

Read on to learn more about your school options. Maybe some of these

options match what you want in your dream school!

Page 8

WHEN Should I Begin Thinking About College?

About Four-year Colleges

Many students attend a four-year college after graduating from high school. They earn a degree once they have completed a program of study. A four-year college usually offers a bachelor’s degree in the arts (e.g., English, history, drama) or sciences (e.g., biology, computer science, engineering). Some four-year colleges offer advanced degrees, such as master’s or other graduate degrees.

About Two-year Colleges

A two-year community college or junior college awards an associate degree once a student has completed a two-year course of study. Some two-year colleges grant diplomas or certificates to students who have met course requirements and are ready to practice in their career fields.You can start at a two-year college then transfer to a four-year college if, for example, you’re concerned about college costs (community or public junior colleges usually cost less than four-year colleges). A two-year college is als

Page 9

WHEN Should I Begin Thinking About College?

Visit

StudentAid.gov/choose

About Career Schools

Career schools typically offer programs that take two years or less to complete. These schools provide students with formal classes and hands-on experiences related to their future career interests. Students may earn a diploma or a certificate, prepare for a licensing exam, or study to begin work as an apprentice or a journeyman in a skilled trade.

Want to learn more about these types of schools?

Figure

Page 10

WHEN Should I Begin Thinking About College?

Activity Page

Select an answer based on the information you read in “When Should I Begin Thinking About College?” Answers are on page 36.

1. When should you consider college?

Lbl

now

Lbl

it’s never too late

Lbl

middle school (grades six through eight) or earlier

Lbl

all of the above

2. Where can you earn a bachelor’s degree?

Lbl

junior college

Lbl

four-year college

Lbl

community college

Lbl

career school

3. Where can you earn an associate degree?

Lbl

community college

Lbl

four-year college

Lbl

high school

Lbl

career school

4. At a career school, students may do which of the following?

Lbl

earn a diploma or a certificate

Lbl

prepare for a licensing exam

Lbl

study to begin work as an apprentice

Lbl

all of the above

Page 11

WHY Think About College Now?

WHY

Think About

College Now?

As a middle-school student, you probably have a lot on your mind: Will I get my school project finished on time? What’s for dinner? What should I do this weekend? Will mom or dad notice that I went over my cellphone data usage limit (yikes!!)?

But have you seriously thought about college?

Here are some reasons why you should start thinking about college now.

Figure

YOU SAY:

It’s too early to think about college!

WE SAY:

The steps you take now (such as developing good study

habits; reading to develop your verbal, writing, and critical

thinking skills; and developing an interest in extracurricular/

community-based activities) will help determine your college

options later. Start planning now!

YOU SAY:

No one in my family ever went to college.

WE SAY:

Be the first! Set a good example for others to follow by

learning new and interesting things, and talking to other

students and faculty members about career goals and

opportunities.

YOU SAY:

I can’t afford it!

WE SAY:

We at the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid

(and others), can help meet the cost! More than two-thirds of

college students get some type of financial aid.

Page 12

WHY Think About College Now?

Myths vs. Reality

Figure

MYTH:

Only students with good grades go to college.

Figure

REALITY:

Good grades and high test scores can definitely help

when applying to college. But college admissions

staff also take into account other things, such as

your interests, hobbies, and school- and community-

based extracurricular activities.

Figure

MYTH:

College will be the same as middle or high school.

Figure

REALITY:

College is much different from middle or high school.

Making new friends, choosing your own classes

and program of study, and possibly living away from

home are all a part of the college experience.

Figure

MYTH:

I need to get a job as soon as I graduate from

high school.

Figure

REALITY:

Sure, you can get a job with decent pay after

your high school graduation.

you can invest in

your education to have a great career with better

pay later!

Figure

MYTH:

I can’t go to college because I don’t know what I

want to do with my life.

Figure

REALITY:

Most students decide what they want to do during

or after college.

Still not sure if college is for you? Still think now isn’t the time to start thinking about college? Read on!

Page 13

WHAT Can a College Education Do for Me?

WHAT

Can a

College Education

Do for Me?

A college education will

offer you more money, more

job opportunities, and more

freedom than a high school

education.

More Money

On average, a person who

goes to college earns more

money than a person who

doesn’t. Over a

lifetime, a college

graduate can earn

over $1.2 million

more than a high

school graduate!

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey, 2016. *Note: Data are 2016 annual averages for full-time workers age 25 and over.

Figure

Page 14

WHAT Can a College Education Do for Me?

Figure

Real-life Examples

People with a college education typically earn more money

during a shorter span of time.

•

Terry is a dental hygienist (two years of college). Terry generally will earn enough money to buy groceries for a week after working only one day.

•

Sam is a high school graduate and works as a salesperson in a department store. To buy the same groceries, it generally takes Sam three days’ pay.

BUYING GROCERIES

BUYING A TV

•

Jamie is a college graduate and works as an accountant. Based on his salary, Jamie could buy a large-screen TV using less than one week’s pay.

•

Chris never went to college and works as a waiter. Based

on his salary, Chris will have to work three weeks to buy

the same TV.

Figure

Page 15

WHAT Can a College Education Do for Me?

More Job

Opportunities

A major benefit of a college

degree is having more jobs

to choose from. The table to

the right shows just some of

the possibilities available to

college graduates.

Is your favorite job on

the list?

If not, go ahead and add it,

along with other jobs you

find interesting.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2015–16 Edition

Career School

Two-year College

Four-year College

More Than Four Years

Barber or hairstylist

Bookkeeper

Accountant

Archaeologist

Carpenter

Childcare worker

Athletic trainer

Architect

Disc jockey (deejay)

Computer and office

equipment repairer

Computer programmer

Astronaut or aerospace

engineer

Electrician

Dental hygienist*

Conservation

scientist

College professor

Plumber

Firefighter*

Engineer

Dentist

Mechanic

FBI agent

Doctor

Nurse*

Graphic designer

Judge

Paralegal

High school coach

Lawyer

Physical therapist assistant

Industrial designer

Minister, priest, or rabbi

Restaurant manager†

Pilot

Pharmacist

Web developer

Probation officer

Principal

Zookeeper*

Reporter

Psychologist

Social worker

Scientist

Sportscaster/news reporter

Urban planner

Teacher**

Veterinarian

Writer

* Note: You can also train for these jobs at a four-year college. Why do that? Because more education usually means more earnings!

† Note: You don’t need a two-year degree to be a manager, but managers with a degree may get hired faster and earn more money during their careers.

** Note: Teaching in K–12 often requires certification and thus more than a bachelor’s degree; teaching college usually requires a master’s

and/or doctoral degree.

Page 16

WHAT Can a College Education Do for Me?

CAREER

SCHOOL

BARBER OR HAIRSTYLIST

CARPENTER

DISC JOCKEY (DEEJAY)

ELECTRICIAN

PLUMBER

Figure

Hairstylist

Carpenter

Page 17

Figure

Disc Jockey

Figure

Electrician

Figure

Plumber

Page 18

WHAT Can a College Education Do for Me?

TWO-YEAR

COLLEGE

BOOKKEEPER

CHILDCARE WORKER

COMPUTER AND OFFICE

EQUIP-

MENT REPAIRER

DENTAL HYGIENIST*

FIREFIGHTER*

MECHANIC

NURSE*

PARALEGAL

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT

RESTAURANT MANAGER

†

WEB DEVELOPER

ZOOKEEPER*

* Note: You can also train for these jobs at a four-year

college. Why do that? Because more education usually

means more earnings!

† Note: You don’t need a two-year degree to be a manager,

but managers with a degree may get hired faster and

earn more money during their careers.

Figure

Restaurant Manager

Dental Hygienist

Page 19

Figure

Zookeeper

Mechanic

Figure

Nurse

Page 20

WHAT Can a College Education Do for Me?

FOUR-YEAR

COLLEGE

ACCOUNTANT

ATHLETIC TRAINER

COMPUTER PROGRAMMER

CONSERVATION SCIENTIST

ENGINEER

FBI AGENT

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

HIGH SCHOOL COACH

INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER

PILOT

PROBATION OFFICER

REPORTER

SOCIAL WORKER

SPORTSCASTER/NEWS REPORTER

TEACHER

WRITER

Figure

Teacher

Figure

Reporter

Page 21

Figure

Conservation Scientist

Computer Programmer

Figure

Graphic Designer

Page 22

WHAT Can a College Education Do for Me?

MORE THAN

FOUR-YEAR

COLLEGE

ARCHAEOLOGIST

ARCHITECT

ASTRONAUT

COLLEGE PROFESSOR

DENTIST

DOCTOR

JUDGE

LAWYER

MINISTER, PRIEST, OR RABBI

PHARMACIST

PRINCIPAL

PSYCHOLOGIST

SCIENTIST

URBAN PLANNER

VETERINARIAN

Story

NormalParagraphStyle

Figure

Judge

Story

NormalParagraphStyle

Figure

Doctor

Page 23

Figure

Minister

Figure

Veterinarian

Figure

Astronaut

Page 24

WHAT Can a College Education Do for Me?

Figure

More Freedom

As a college student, you’ll experience freedom as you never have before, by

•

studying more on your own instead of in a classroom;

•

meeting people from all over the country and world;

•

studying abroad (it pays to learn a foreign language); and

•

choosing your own unique courses, such as Biology of Extinct Animals, Music and Your Brain, Television in American Culture, forensic science, or computer graphics.

Want to learn more about career options?

Visit

StudentAid.gov/careersearch

to explore careers. For each

career, you can find out what people do on the job, how much

they make, what level of education is needed to get that type of

job, and more.

Page 25

Want more info

about college life?

You can find colleges that match

your preferences at

StudentAid.gov

Link

/choose

. Many schools’ websites

have virtual campus tours. They

also have online course catalogs

so you can check out their course

offerings.

Visit local or nearby colleges to see

the real thing.

Figure

Page 26

WHAT Can a College Education Do for Me?

Activity Page

List five careers that interest you, the salary range for each career, and the level of education you

will need for each career.

Aren’t sure about the salary range or education level? Do a little investigating at

StudentAid.gov/careersearch

Charting Your Career

Career

Salary Range

Education Level

Example: Teacher

$55,000–$72,000

Four-year college

Page 27

WHERE Do I Start?

WHERE

Do I Start?

Part of preparing for college is taking

the right classes in middle school.

Courses such as English, algebra,

foreign language, and technology

will better prepare you for more

challenging courses in high school.

But college preparation is about more

than just classes and grades. It’s also

about developing the skills (such as

good study habits, paying attention in

class, and reading) that will help you

succeed in college and life.

Figure

Here’s what you can do NOW to get ready for college

(feel free to make your own checklist additions in the

Notes section on pages 33–35):

Sixth Grade

•

Speak with your school counselor or librarian and other adults

(your teachers, relatives, and family friends) who have interesting

jobs. Ask them what they like about their job and what education they

needed for it.

•

Develop strong study habits that help you earn good grades and test

scores.

•

Read at least one book every month, just for fun.

•

Participate in class activities.

Seventh Grade

•

Begin taking advanced courses, such as Algebra I and a beginning

foreign language class. But remember, take courses that are

challenging and interesting, but are not over your head.

•

Talk to your counselor or teachers about courses you can take in high

school.

•

Get involved in school- or community-based extracurricular activities.

•

Start reading magazines or newspaper articles.

•

Keep a journal to develop good writing skills.

•

Do well on standardized tests.

Page 28

WHERE Do I Start?

Eighth Grade

•

Keep doing your best in school—study hard, earn good grades, and participate in class.

•

Ask your counselor about challenging and interesting courses you can take in high school.

•

Continue to explore different career options.

•

Start saving money now to help pay for college.

•

Continue taking advanced courses, such as Algebra II and an intermediate foreign language class.

•

Ask your older sisters and brothers or other college students about their college experience. If you don’t know any

college students, ask your counselor to help you contact some students.

Ninth Grade

•

Talk to your school counselor, your parents, and anyone who has an interest in your future about your college and

career plans.

•

Take challenging core classes (e.g., English literature, geometry).

•

Start planning for college by learning how to go and ways to pay.

•

Go to career information events. Ask employers what kind of education they expect their employees to have.

•

Explore opportunities to volunteer in your school or community.

•

If you have older brothers or sisters getting ready to go to college fairs, financial aid nights, or other high school events,

go with them so that you can become familiar with these events.

Want to find out more steps for college preparation? Visit

StudentAid.gov/early

. You also can download the

College

Preparation Checklist

StudentAid.gov/checklist

Page 29

WHO Can Help Me Go to College?

WHO

Can Help Me

Go to College?

Figure

College Support Team

Getting ready for college may seem like a lot to handle, but you don’t

have to do it alone!

Parents, teachers, counselors, coaches, and friendly folks from your

community or place of worship are all good people to go to if you have

questions. Think of them as your college support team.

Any adult with whom you have a connection is a good addition to your

college support team. If they don’t have the answers themselves, they

may know where to look.

Talk to Your Team: Tell Someone You Know That You

Want to Go!

Start discussing your plans for college today with your family and

with people at school. They will not know you need support and

encouragement unless you let them in on your plans. Once everyone

knows the plan, you can work together to reach your college goals.

Page 30

WHO Can Help Me Go to College?

Activity Page

List four people who can serve on your college support team, their relationship to you, and the various roles they can

play on the team.

Your College Support Team

Name

Relationship

Role

Example: Patricia

Mom

Will help me research colleges and show me how to

save for my education

Page 31

HOW

Will I Pay

for College?

College Costs

Here are some important

things to know about

college costs:

to get an estimate (just an informal

calculation) of how much financial aid you possibly could receive from the

U.S. government.

HOW Will I Pay for College?

•

Some colleges cost less than other colleges.

•

Lots of financial aid is available—there are more opportunities now than ever before!

•

You and your family have

time to start saving for

college. So start looking

into college savings

plans, if you have not

already done so. Find

more information at

StudentAid.gov/early

The bottom line is that if you want to go to college and are willing to work at it, you can find

the money to pay for it.

While it’s very important that your family prepare financially for college (save, save, save!), don’t

forget—you don’t have to pay for college all by yourself! The U.S. Department of Education has

more than $120 billion (that’s $120,000,000,000) in financial aid for students who qualify.

Types of Aid

There are two basic types of financial aid:

“Gift”

aid: money that does not have to be paid back (for example,

grants

and

scholarships

)

“Self-help”

aid: money that you work for or that you will need to pay back later (for

example,

work-study

loans;

see page 26 for definitions of “work-study” and “loans”)

So, what exactly is financial aid?

Financial aid is money to help pay for college or career school. This money

can come from the U.S. government, the state where you live, or the

college you attend. But, remember, you have to apply for it!

Use

FAFSA4caster

fafsa.gov

Body_Copy

Link

Page 32

HOW Will I Pay for College?

Federal Student Aid

Any time on or after Oct. 1 of your senior year of high

school, you should complete and submit the

Free

Application for Federal Student Aid

(FAFSA

) form

fafsa.gov

. Colleges, states, and some scholarships

use your FAFSA information to determine how much

financial aid you may receive.

Keep in mind that the U.S. Department of Education,

colleges, and scholarship providers can’t give you aid

unless you APPLY for it. You need to take the action!

Find out how to apply at

StudentAid.gov/fafsa

Definitions

GRANTS

and

SCHOLARSHIPS

are money that does not have to be paid back. To receive grants, you usually have to

demonstrate financial need. To receive scholarships, you usually have to demonstrate a talent or skill and maintain a

certain level of performance (e.g., good grades) to keep receiving the scholarship.

WORK-STUDY

is a job that helps you earn money to pay for your education.

LOAN

is money that must be paid back, usually with interest. Although you have to repay a loan, you still should

consider a federal student loan as a good way to pay for college.

Financial aid can come from colleges, companies, private scholarship funds, or the state you live in, but a lot of it comes

from the U.S. Department of Education. The money that comes from the government is called

federal student aid

Page 33

HOW Will I Pay for College?

Did You Know?

•

Seventy-one percent of all college students

working toward bachelor’s degrees received

some sort of financial aid.

•

At public colleges, 58 percent of students

received grants and 34 percent of students

took out loans.

•

At private colleges, 73 percent of students

received grants and 65 percent of students

took out loans.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for

Education Statistics. 2011–12 National Postsecondary Student Aid

Study (NPSAS:12)

Figure

Page 34

More About Scholarships

Scholarships may pay for all or part of your education.

Unlike most federal student aid, many scholarships are not

“need-based” (i.e., aid awarded to a student on the basis

of financial need) and are available for all kinds of students

based on

•

good grades;

•

certain religious, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds; or

•

athletic, artistic, or creative abilities.

A number of businesses and community organizations offer scholarships. Some colleges also have special scholarships for incoming students. Students who receive scholarships generally have to maintain a certain grade point average (GPA). There are tons of scholarships out there. The most important thing is to find out what your options are. Keep in mind that no scholarship is too small!

For more information, go to

StudentAid.gov/scholarships

Figure

HOW Will I Pay for College?

Page 35

HOW Will I Pay for College?

Another Way to Pay for College: Serving Our Country

When you serve our country—during or after college—there are opportunities for aid that will cover either some or

all of your educational costs:

•

AmeriCorps—This nonmilitary community-service program provides help with college costs and student loans to

members who successfully complete service.

•

U.S. service academies—The U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Merchant Marine, and U.S.

Navy provide free education for students who commit to serve in the military upon completion of their education.

•

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)—This campus-based program offers scholarships in varying sizes to

students interested in serving in the military after college.

•

GI Bill—Men and women who enlist and serve in the armed forces may apply for and receive financial support

for college.

Figure

Page 36

HOW Will I Pay for College?

Activity Page

See how much you remember about financial aid! Unscramble each financial aid term based on its description.

See page 36 for the answers.

1. Job that helps you earn money to pay for college

Figure

2. Financial aid award that you don’t have to repay;

usually based on need

Figure

3. Form you must complete to be eligible for federal student aid

Figure

4. Financial aid award that you must pay back, typically with interest

Figure

5. Financial aid award that you don’t have to repay; usually based on good grades, talents, or skills

Figure

Page 37

NOW What? Next Steps

NOW W

hat

Next Steps

Figure

Take the next steps in learning about education beyond

high school and how to pay for it!

•

Start saving a portion of your allowance, birthday money, and any other

money you receive for college. No matter how much or how little you

save, every cent makes a difference in affording your higher education!

•

Stay in touch with members of your college support team. Routinely

discuss with them your college and career plans.

•

Visit

StudentAid.gov/early

for additional information and resources.

•

If you have an older brother or sister either already in college or

getting ready to attend, talk with them about their experiences and

expectations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You can gain from

their knowledge.

•

Check out

StudentAid.gov/resources

to find our latest fact sheets,

infographics, and other publications about financial aid.

•

Watch short videos about federal student aid at

YouTube.com/FederalStudentAid

•

Review the “Five Important Questions About Paying for College”

handout on the next page with your counselor, and get answers to

these questions.

•

Have fun! As you put into action all of these ideas from this workbook,

you’ll learn so much—about college, about careers, and even about

yourself!

Page 38

NOW What? Next Steps

Five Important Questions About Paying for College

Please discuss the following questions related to funding your education beyond

high school with your school counselor. See page 36 for possible answers you

could receive from your counselor.

What scholarships are available in my state or school district?

How can my grades affect my financial aid opportunities?

Why should I fill out a FAFSA

form when I’m a high school senior?

What else can I do to learn about financial aid opportunities?

How can I discuss paying for college with my family or college support team?

Page 39

Notes

Page 40

Notes

Page 41

Notes

Page 42

Answers

PAGE 4

all of the above

four-year college

community college

all of the above

PAGE

work-study

grant

FAFSA

loan

scholarship

PAGE

Answers will vary depending on your state or school district.

Your grades are important particularly if you plan to receive scholarships. High

school students who receive scholarships from the community or colleges generally

have earned good grades. Scholarship providers feel more comfortable helping

these students pay for college because they have demonstrated that they take

school seriously.

You should fill out the FAFSA form during your senior year to find out whether you

qualify to receive federal student aid. Also, colleges, states, and some scholarship

providers use your Expected Family Contribution, or EFC (determined by your FAFSA

information), to figure out how much financial help you need.

To learn more about financial aid opportunities, attend college fairs to speak with

school representatives, visit your local library to find books on scholarships, and

explore student-friendly websites that offer college and scholarship searches.

Begin your discussion with your parents or college support team by explaining your

interest in college and your future career goals. Ask your parents or support team

to help you develop ways to start saving for college (e.g., assisting you in finding a

summer job and opening a savings account).

Page 43

Questions

Have questions about federal student aid and want to talk to a real person?

Call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243; TTY for the hard of hearing

1-800-730-8913). Callers in locations without access to 1-800 numbers may call 334-523-2691 (this is not a

toll-free number).

Notice to Limited English Proficient Persons

If you have difficulty understanding English, you may request language assistance services for Department of Education

information that is available to the public. These language assistance services are available free of charge.

If you need more information about interpretation or translation services, please call 1-800-USA-LEARN

(1-800-872-5327; TTY for the hard of hearing 1-800-437-0833), or email us at

Link

ed.language.assistance@ed.gov

Or write to:

U.S. Department of Education

Information Resource Center

LBJ Education Building

400 Maryland Ave., S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20202

To view federal student aid publications and resources in Spanish, go to

StudentAid.gov/recursos

Page 44

Find detailed federal student aid information at

StudentAid.gov

Stay connected:

Figure

/FederalStudentAid

Figure

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Figure

/FAFSA

/FederalStudentAid

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Figure

Printed: July 2017

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