As we head into winter and college application deadlines, “Scholarship Season” is upon us.
December through February, many U.S. colleges and universities – along with third-party organizations – open up their scholarship applications, creating an opportunity Skyline seniors shouldn’t miss. Recently, schools including the University of Michigan and Michigan State University have opened up financial aid and scholarship applications for incoming college freshmen.
Scholarships and financial aid are often used interchangeably, but they are different. Financial aid is a general term that can be used to describe scholarships, grants, and student loans. Scholarships specifically refer to money given to a student to help with school expenses – without having to pay anything back. Scholarships are usually either merit- or need-based.
Scholarships can help students pay for tuition, room and board, school supplies, and other college necessities. “All schools offer some type of merit-based scholarship,” says Anthony Woodford, director of the Skyline Cube. “Ultimately, [they] can help with the financial burdens that are presented to those attending college in pursuit of a higher education.”
Woodford recommends Skyline students applying to college to also apply for scholarships. “Your parents will be so appreciative,” he says. “College tuition is greatly inflated and can be quite the burden to a young person trying to make it in this world. Every little bit helps.”
Scholarship resources are also available for all AAPS students online. Xello has a large database of local and national scholarships–through both colleges and third party organizations. Students can filter results to find scholarships available to them. First, open Xello through Clever or Gmail. Then, select “Explore” and click on “Scholarships.”
Most schools require applicants to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial aid such as loans, along with certain scholarships that have their own requirements. The application has been open since December 1st and requires a FSA ID. FSA IDs may take up to three days to be verified when they are created.
Skyline students seeking information about assistance with FAFSA applications or financial aid can find help within The Cube. “In the coming weeks The Cube will be hosting Financial Aid Fridays,” says Woodford. “[They are] quick workshops on how to find and apply for [financial aid]. You can also book an appointment with me, where we can sit down and have a more in depth conversation about options that may be available to you.”
The University of Michigan offers various types of financial aid, including scholarships to undergraduates. According to their website, “scholarships are awarded based on several criteria including academic achievement, personal talents, interests, leadership qualities, financial need, or a combination of these.” If you have applied to the University of Michigan and want to apply for a scholarship, “most only require that you have submitted your university admission application.”
To apply for financial aid such as loans, the U-M office of Financial Aid requires a FAFSA application and other documents by March 31st, 2025.
Michigan State University considers all admitted students who apply for any type of financial aid. The MSU Office of Financial Aid has resources and information about student loans and scholarship applications. All FAFSA applications are due by May 1st for those who have applied to MSU.
