Financial Aid

What you need to know for Scholarships

and

other sources of aid.

Federal Financial Aid

• FAFSA opens on October 1st every year for the following school year
• Every school has a FAFSA follow-up process that may include additional paperwork (hard copy forms) or aid acceptance in the student portal
• Don’t forget to check with the school(s) you are seriously considering attending
• For SWOCC, you will get an email from the financial aid office or you can find out what forms you need in myLakerLink.
• Federal Student Loans
• Log into your studentaid.gov account and complete the Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note
• You must complete these steps to get loans
• You do not need to complete these steps if you do not want loans

Financial Aid Info for SWOCC

Oregon Promise

HOW TO APPLY: Go to https://oregonstudentaid.gov/grants/oregon-promise-grant/ for more information

1. Go to https://app.oregonstudentaid.gov/
2. Create or log into your account
3. Complete or update your profile
4. Complete and submit the application

TIMING:

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QUESTIONS? Contact OSAC at SA.Feedback@hecc.oregon.gov | (971) 345-7188 or (458) 209-4782

OSAC Scholarship

HOW TO APPLY: Go to https://oregonstudentaid.gov/scholarships/ for more information

1. Go to https://app.oregonstudentaid.gov/
2. Create or log into your account
3. Complete or update your profile
4. Complete and submit the application

TIMING:

• February 15, 5pm - Early Bird Deadline
• March 1, 5pm - Final Deadline

TIPS & TRICKS:

• Complete the FAFSA to qualify for the most scholarships.
• Select as many scholarships as you can.
• READ THE DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY.
• Be consistent with your major stated & what you say in your essays.
• PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD. Increase your chances of being awarded!
• Use the tutors in the tutoring and writing center.

QUESTIONS? Contact OSAC at SA.Feedback@hecc.oregon.gov | (971) 345-7188 or (458) 209-4782�

SWOCC Foundation Scholarship

HOW TO APPLY: Go to socc.edu/scholarships for ALL the directions

1. Go to socc.awardspring.com
2. Login = Click the “First Time Here” button. You’ll most likely use your personal email address to login. Use the SAME EMAIL YOU PUT ON YOUR APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO SWOCC.
3. Complete and submit your application

TIMING:

• FEBRUARY 1 - Early Bird Deadline
• MARCH 1 - Final Deadline (No exceptions)
• NOTE: Please log into the application prior to February 15th to ensure access and on time application completion.

TIPS & TRICKS:

• Complete the FAFSA to qualify for the most scholarships.
• READ THE DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY. (80% of the questions we receive are answered via the directions).
• Be consistent with your major stated & what you say in your essay.
• PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD. Increase your chances of being awarded!
• Use the tutors in the tutoring and writing center.

QUESTIONS? Contact the Foundation office at foundation@socc.edu | kelsey.guenther@socc.edu | 541.888.7209 | Tioga 503

General Scholarship Search Tips

WHERE TO SEARCH:

• Check with your or your parent(s)’ employer
• Check with community groups or religious organizations you or your parent(s) are involved in
• https://oregongearup.org/calendar/scholarship
• unigo.com

THINGS TO CONSIDER:

• Start with local scholarships first
• Apply to scholarships of all $ amounts, not just the big ones
• If you even sort of qualify, even if you don’t fit all the criteria perfectly, apply.
• DO NOT ever use a scholarship search site or apply to a scholarship that requires you to pay or enter credit card info… It’s a scam.

Scholarship Essay Writing Tips

• Read essay prompts carefully and make sure to answer the question/stay on topic.
• Don’t be afraid to tell a personal story or be vulnerable. Don’t share anything you aren’t comfortable with but remember the reader wants to get to know you through your essay.
• Be creative in your writing so your essay is memorable.
• Proofread and have at least one other person proofread too.
• Type your essays into a word or google doc first. You can copy/paste into the application when you’re finished.