By Kimberly Addison, Pulse Staff Reporter

Many students at Palo Alto College consider financing their education a confusing and frustrating process. The road that leads to scholarships, grants and loans often resembles a maze without a map. 

All students should begin their quest for finding funds in Palo Alto’s Financial Aid Office located in the Administration (H) building.  There, the process starts with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. 

This form is used to apply for federal student grants, work study money and loans.  FAFSA is used for determining what students’ individual needs are and what needs can be met.  Once this is validated, eligibility will be established for other grants and loans. Even if you think you may not be eligible, fill out the FAFSA anyway. 

The next step is to get every one of your questions answered by those working in the financial aid office. “Apply early,” said Rosemarie Zuniga, Associate Director of Student Financial Services. “Seek out (deadline) dates, visit the office frequently and ask lots of questions.” 

While there, ask about other grants for which you may apply.  Ask to see the private scholarship book, the Alamo Community College District (ACCD) Scholarship Listings booklet and the ACCD Scholarship Application kept behind the counter. 

This information is for all to see and use.  Completion of the ACCD Scholarship Application will put you in the running for money that is only offered to ACCD students. 

Scan the bulletin board on the outside wall of the financial aid office.  Information on all types of aid is posted on this board and is changed from time to time.  This is where the office informs students of new financial aid opportunities and important deadlines. 

“I make it to the bulletin board once a week,” said Christina Denzer, a sophomore majoring in Elementary Education. “No one tells me what for or when I need to apply.  The board keeps me updated.” 

A financial aid fair is scheduled to be held on March 25, 1999, in the Student Center.  There, students can inquire about all financial aid and process applications on-line.  Local lenders will also be available to process student loan applications and answer questions.  This is the only on-campus outreach Palo Alto’s Financial Aid Office does, so take full advantage of it. 

Your financial aid hunt should also include the vast resource of the World Wide Web.  From your home computer or from computers in the Mega Lab, link up with www.accd.edu for general financial aid information and forms.  Some applications can be done on-line.  This web site will link you to other sites with even more information. 

Another valuable site is www.fastweb.com.  This site asks for a lot of information up front.  After filling out their questionnaire, the information  is used to locate various scholarships and grants that fit your profile. As new information is located, fastWEB sends it directly to your personal e-mail address. These aren’t the only two sites on the Web.  Take the time to surf for financial aid information. 

If you are planning on transferring to a university, the Transfer Center, located in the Student Center, is the best resource for students on campus. The center keeps files on most universities and the financial aid available through them. Let that office know where you’d like to transfer, and you’ll be one step closer.  For example, University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and ACCD offer 2+2 scholarships for students transferring to UTSA who have followed the 2+2 Plan. 

 The public library is another financial aid resource.  Not only will you find where to apply, but you will also learn how to make your application stand out.  Be prepared to sift through large amounts of information that do not pertain to you.  With a little patience, however, you may find information that will make your award chances even greater. 

Look for scholarship opportunities in every organization or business you or your family are associated with.  USAA has publications for its members on all types of financial aid programs and how to apply for them.

 The Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation, a non-profit organization formed to support Texas residents who wish to complete their education, will also assist students in acquiring many different types of financial aid. 

Your local income tax service can help you get money back on your annual return.  All ACCD students received a tax receipt this year with the total amount paid for out-of-pocket educational expenses. This receipt can be used to take advantage of  the Hope Scholarship, which is really not a scholarship but a tax credit.  Find out how via www.accd.edu, www.irs.ustreas.gov or through your tax service. 

In your hunt for grants, scholarships and loans, remember that there are other students who could benefit from your experience. Share your information with the financial aid office so they can share it with other students in need. 

Finding the money to finance your education can be an education in itself.  In the end, this map less maze will lead you to your treasure, a college degree. 

For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at 921-5316.