Financial Aid Reflection

1. Federal Financial Aid- What are the different types of federal financial aid available to
students? How do you apply for federal financial aid? What benefits do students
receive from this type of financial aid?

The three most common federal financial aid types are grants, scholarships, and loans.
One must apply at Free Application for Financial Student Aid, or FAFSA. The application
may be completed online. Once reviewed, if aid is awarded, part of it may be sent
directly to the college. Different factors play a role in how much, if any, aid is awarded to
the student. Students may potentially receive enough aid to pay for college tuition and
other college-related expenses such as textbooks, supplies, parking pass, etc.

2. State Financial Aid- What are the different types of state aid available to students?
How do you apply for state financial aid? What benefits do students receive from this
type of financial aid?

One form of state aid available for students is Cal Grant. This is a California-specific
financial aid allocation that doesn't need to be paid back. To be able to apply, you must
use the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or CA Dream Act and meet all
eligibility, financial, and minimum GPA requirements. Another option for students who
will attend a community college in California is the Promise Grant. Formerly called the
Board of Governors Fee Waiver, the Promise Grant waves tuition fees.

3. School Specific Financial Aid- Which schools did you research? Describe one grant or
scholarship that is offered at each school. What benefits do students receive from this
type of financial aid?

The two schools I researched are San Diego Mesa College and University of San Diego.
Both colleges provide different types of scholarships for the majors you take. For
example SDMC offers the Harvey T. Bergland Memorial Scholarship, which provides
financial assistance for students who major in music, fine arts, or dance. Potential
students may apply online.

4. Private Scholarships- Describe two scholarships that you found interesting during your
research. What are the benefits of using this type of aid to fund your education?

One scholarship I found interesting was the Graphic Design Scholarship. This scholarship
is supposed to help graphic design students to gain an education. If granted, this
scholarship can help students pay their way through school.
5. Military Financial Aid- Do you or your family plan to or have served in the military? If
so, describe at least one military financial aid program that is available to you? What
benefits do students receive from this type of financial aid?

No, my family and I don’t plan to serve in the military.

6. Personal Financial Aid Plan- After reviewing the different types of financial aid
available to students, what plan do you have for covering the costs of post-secondary
education? Write a paragraph that summarizes the total cost you expect to pay for
post-secondary education, the sources of aid you plan to use to cover these costs, and
when and how you plan to apply for each program. You may also need to consider
alternate sources of income such as a college fund or savings plan that has already
been set aside.

My plan to cover my financial aid for college is to apply for a scholarship or a grant. I will
apply for FAFSA because it can help me to pay for my college. I will also complete the
Promise Grant Application. My hope is that I qualify for the Promise Grant Fee Waiver
and am also offered grants via FAFSA. If I qualify for the waiver, I can use the grants to
pay for additional college-related expenses such as textbooks, supplies, transportation
or parking pass, etc. If I don’t receive enough aid from these I will ask my parents for
financial assistance and may pick up a part-time job to help cover some of the costs.