Funding YourEducation WiselyTrusted Advice for Smarter Choices

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ISM College Planning promotes educated decision making for higher education choices to students, families and counselors. Strong choices before college are the best way to help increase the likelihood of graduation and limit debt after college. For over thirty years ISM’s goal has been to provide Hoosier students and families with solutions to put higher education within reach.

Our team is here to help, whether it’s a live event in your community, meeting with you one-on-one or over the phone, or online at ISMCollegePlanning.org. We want to help you graduate from college with as little debt as possible.

Contact the College Planning Team:

Email:Outreach@ISMCollegePlanning.org

Phone:317.715.9007

Check out the FREE tools and resources on our website at www.ISMCollegePlanning.org

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Let’s Get StartedHelp for the beginning of your journey

FAFSAApplying for financial aid

Education LoansBe wise about borrowing

Why College?The benefits of education

Junior & Senior ChecklistsStay on track

Picking the Right Career and MajorPlanning ahead can pay later

9Work-Study & Savings TipsAdditional ways to fundyour education7

Scholarships & GrantsFinding free money

We have lots of tools and resources for you on our website:ISMCollegePlanning.org

4 5Picking the Right CollegeThe right choice can save you lots of money

Paying for CollegeFunding your education wisely

Thank you for allowing ISM College Planning to help you navigate through the process of college planning and funding your education. We want to be there every step of the way as you make important decisions throughout this journey.

We’ll provide you with advice on investigating the right career path and choosing the right college. We’ll also help with your search for scholarships, completing important financial aid forms, and much more!

We’ll provide you and your family tips and FREE resources that will help you make a plan for college and graduate with as little debt as possible. You can sign up for our e-newsletter and have free personalized help sent directly to your inbox at ISMCollegePlanning.org/Mailing-List. The newsletter contains valuable information and updates from ISM College Planning.

We look forward to working with you.

Need Help Getting Started?

Visit ISMCollegePlanning.org and follow the “Doing it Right” checklist on the upper right corner of the home page. As you go through the list, make sure to contact us with any questions.

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Let’s GetStarted...

Get started using this guide and connecting with ISM College Planning in person or online. Email us at Outreach@ISMCollegePlanning.org.

Visit ISMCollegePlanning.orgto find resources to help you fund your education wisely.

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Why College?More Job Opportunities – 63% of jobs will require education beyond high school

by 2018. (source: Projection of Jobs and Education Requirements Through 2018, Georgetown University, 2010)

Higher Lifetime Earnings – Over the course of a working lifetime a person with a

4-year degree will earn almost $1 million more than someone with just a high school diploma.

(See Chart Below)

Lower Unemployment Rate – In addition to earning more money over your

lifetime, you are also less likely to be unemployed. (See Chart Below)

Better Benefits – Jobs for college graduates often offer better benefits like health

insurance coverage and generous retirement plan options.

Your Family’s Future – If you attend college, your

children and even grandchildren are more

likely to attend college as well.

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Follow us on Pinterest for more informative charts, infographics and photos from our events! pinterest.com/ISMCollegePlan

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No College

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No DegreeAssociate

DegreeBachelor’s

DegreeMaster’s Degree

Profess.Degree

DoctoralDegree

11.0%

7.5% 7.0%5.4%

4.0% 3.4%2.3% 2.2%

$651 $727 $777

$1,108

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Unemployment Rate in 2013

Median Weekly Earnings in 2013

Free Money! Scholarships & GrantsThe best way to pay for college – money that does not have to be paid back! Free money in the form of scholarships and grants is a key component of paying for college. Grants and Scholarships can come from the federal or state government, from schools themselves, from a private company, a person or a number of other sources. Remember to investigate each option as they may have different eligibility requirements.

Simple Search Tips: It’s never too soon to begin searching and applying for scholarships and grants.

Balance your search and application time between local and national awards.

Continue your search for scholarships and grants through college.

Beware of scams. Never pay a fee to do a scholarship search, or give out financial information.

Get organized with a binder and calendar to keep track of applications, essays and deadlines.

Use strong writing more than once. That English paper you got an “A” on may help you to receive a scholarship.

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Free Scholarship Search Help:

Having trouble getting started with your scholarship search? Maybe you just need some help brainstorming ideas for essays? ISM College Planning can help. Email us at Outreach@ISMCollegePlanning.org or callus 317-416-2888 for free help finding scholarships.

For Federal and State of Indiana Grants the most important thing to remember is to file your FAFSA by March 10!

Check out ismloans.org/Grants fora listing of the federal and State of Indiana Grants and requirements for each.

Top FREE Search Sites:www.fastweb.comwww.collegenet.com/mach25www.collegeboard.com/scholarships

One of the easiest ways to run up student debt is to spend extra years in college. Additional time and money to graduate is often needed as students change majors.

Research and planning before college can lead to the selection of a career and major better suited to the student and a greater chance of on-time graduation and less debt.

A skills-matching exercise, information about careers that you are interested in along with what you can expect to earn in that field, and internship opportunities can all help you make the best choice and pay great financial dividends.

Picking the Right Career & MajorSo you’ve decided college is for you, but what will your major be?

ISM College Planning has all the resources you need to begin the process at ISMCollegePlanning.org/PickingMajor

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There are many great colleges to choose from right here in Indiana...how do you find the right one for you?

Choosing the right college that is the perfect fit for you is a verypersonal decision that should be based on many factors. College Navigator is a resource that you can use to help with your search.

Start your search at ISMCollegePlanning.org/ChoosingCollege!

Make plans to do some campus visits and speak with an admissions rep. Talk to some students and professors, and sit in on a class. These interactions with the college are an excellent way to find the right fit for you! Finding a school that is the right fit for you means you are less likely to change schools, and that can help you graduate on time and with less debt.

Picking the Right College

Check out ISMCollegePlanning.org/ChoosingCollege for a list of questions to ask on a campus visit.

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The next few sections of this guide are designed to help you fund your education wisely and help you to be able to compare the costs of different colleges. You’ll learn about the free money you may be eligible for, where to look for it and what to do to get it (as well as what NOT to do). You’ll learn about the FAFSA and the various types of aid from the Federal and State governments.

Planning ahead can relieve the financial stress of going to college, and we’ll be there to help. If at any point in the process you have questions, please don’t hesitate to visit ISMCollegePlanning.org for more details or email us at Outreach@ISMCollegePlanning.org. We’d be happy to help!

So you’ve figured out what career you want to pursue and whichcolleges offer programs in that field. Now it’s time to take a look at the options you have to help pay for college and make a plan that works for you and your family.

Paying for College

Did you know that by taking at least 15 credit hours per semester you are more likely to graduate on time?

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The free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) is the most important form to complete in the financial aid process.

To be eligible for federal and state of Indiana aid, you must complete the FAFSA. Many colleges require that you complete a FAFSA to be eligible for their own institutional aid as well.

The FAFSA is used to determine your need and eligibility for grants and scholarships, work-study and loans, which are all considered financial aid.

To be eligible for state of Indiana aid you must complete the FAFSA by March 10. Please note that your school may have an earlier deadline to be eligible for their aid. Make sure you know the deadlines and complete the form on time!

Don’t forget the first “F” in FAFSA stands for FREE. Never pay to file the FAFSA. It is free and easy to complete your FAFSA online at the official website www.FAFSA.gov.

The FAFSA Applying for Financial Aid

For more information on the FAFSA, including:• What information is needed to complete the form

• Signing electronically using a PIN

• Using the FAFSA4Caster tool

Visit ISM College Planning online: ISMColleegePlanning.org/FAFSA

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Circlethis date:

State of IndianaFAFSA deadline

For help completing the FAFSA, or to get answers to your financial aid questions just email us atOutreach@ISMCollegePlanning.org.

Free Money! Scholarships & GrantsThe best way to pay for college is to find money that does not have to be paid back! Free money in the form of scholarships and grants is a key component of paying for college. Grants and Scholarships can come from the federal or state government, from schools themselves, from a private company, a person or a number of other sources. Remember to investigate each option as they may have different eligibility requirements.

Simple Search Tips: It’s never too soon to begin searching and applying for scholarships and grants.

Balance your search and application time between local and national awards.

Continue your search for scholarships and grants through college.

Beware of scams. Never pay a fee to do a scholarship search, or give out financial information.

Get organized with a binder and calendar to keep track of applications, essays and deadlines.

Use strong writing more than once. That English paper you got an “A” on may help you to receive a scholarship.

www.ISMCollegePlanning.org7

Free Scholarship Search Help:

Having trouble getting started with your scholarship search? Maybe you just need some help brainstorming ideas for essays? ISM College Planning can help. Email us at Outreach@ISMCollegePlanning.org or callus 317.715.9007 for free helpfinding scholarships.

For federal and state of Indiana grants the most important thing to remember is to file your FAFSA by March 10!

Check out ISMCollegePlanning/Grants for a listing of the federal and state ofIndiana grants and requirements for each.

Top FREE Search Sites:www.fastweb.comwww.collegenet.com/mach25www.scholarships.com

www.ISMCollegePlanning.org

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For more information on scholarship and grant searches including a list of free scholarship search sites, visit ISMCollegePlanning.org/Scholarships

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Work-Study The Federal Work-Study program offers eligible students the opportunity to work on a part-time schedule while attending school

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The program is sometimes overlooked by students as a way to help pay for college while avoiding debt.

Students are encouraged to work in a field related to their major or in community service work. This gives students the opportunity to learn more about their chosen career path and earn some money to help pay for college.

Talk with the college(s) you plan to attend to discuss your options for work-study. Remember if you are offered work-study by the school, you must still apply for and receive the position. Looking for more about the Federal Work-Study program? Get the scoop at: ISMCollegePlanning.org/Work-Study

Key Points of Work-Study:• Provides experience in your course of study or in community service areas

• Because you earned this money, it does NOT have to be repaid

• Payment can be used to pay education- related expenses and keep debt down

• Maximum of 20 hours per week

• Your income is excluded when you renew your FAFSA the next year

Money Smart Choices: Making Smart Choices Now Pays Off later.

See what entertainment the campus has going on & participate. Many campuses have free events for students like movie nights, concerts and even karaoke contests.

Track your expenses. Write down everything you spend for a few weeks. You’ll notice some expenses you can cut back on.

Look for ways to make a few bucks. Look for a tutoring job or maybe look off campus at helping an after-school program.Remember not to let this work interfere with your schoolwork.

Take advantage of your meal plan. Eat out as little as possible.

Set goals for saving. If you can save a few dollars every week, set it aside for something like next semester’s books.

Education LoansThe cost of college continues to rise, more students are planning to attend college, and students and families are borrowing more than ever before. Remember all student loans are not the same.

As part of your plan to pay for college, after you have exhausted all your options for grants, scholarships, and even work-study, loans may be an option to help you attain your degree.

Understanding the different types of loans and the different repayment options can help you to borrow wisely and prevent you from over-borrowing, or borrowing with unfavorable terms.

Check out ISMCollegePlanning.org/StudentLoans to learn more about each type of education loan. Understandthe loan terms and know your rights and responsibilities before taking out an education loan – remember loans MUST be repaid!

Types of Education Loans Available:

• Federal Direct Loans - Subsidized - Unsubsidized

• Direct PLUS Loan

• Federal Perkins Loan

• Private/Alternative Loans

Student Loan Game PlanWant to see if your student loan debt after graduation will be manageable once you enter the real world? Check out ISMCollegePlanning.org/GamePlan for a unique online resource that helps you understand how over-borrowing to pay for college can affect your financial future.

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Only consider a loan after “Free Money” is exhausted

Talk with your counselor to find out if you are on track for college. Take challenging coursework, such as Dual Credit or AP Courses.

Attend college fairs in your area to begin gathering information on colleges you have an interest in attending. Using a College Search tool like College Navigator (http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator) is also a good place to start investigating different schools.

Take the PSAT to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. This is also a good way to prepare for the SAT, which you will want to take in the spring along with the ACT.

Make sure to save your schoolwork. Your English papers may help with scholarship applications or college admissions applications.

Begin searching for scholarships and apply to any that are open to juniors. Talk to your counselor about scholarships as well as using online search engines like these:www.fastweb.com www.collegenet.com/mach25 www.scholarships.com

Look into taking one or both the spring SAT and ACT tests. Remember that achieving a good score on these tests may reward you with more opportunities for grants and scholarships.

Continue to research the schools you are interested in attending and begin to narrow the list down to 5-6 schools. Investigate college costs and use the tool at FAFSA4Caster.ed.gov to estimate your eligibility for federal student aid.

Write a resume and use it to apply for summer jobs. You may want to find a job that is related to your career interests. Your resume will help you as you begin filling out college applications.

Save some money from your summer job for college. A little money in the bank now is less money you will need to borrow for college down the road.

Visit college campuses. Make appointments with Admissions counselors and the Financial Aid Office, attend some classes and spend the night if you can.

Read a variety of books and magazines and review your math skills over the summer.

Junior Year ChecklistFall:

Spring:

Summer:

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Narrow your list of college possibilities to 3-5. Collect all the applications you need and make note of the school’s deadlines. Schedule visits to the schools you are considering and make appointments with both the Admissions and Financial Aid Offices.

Begin gathering recommendation letters for both scholarship and college applications.

If you are looking to improve your scores, or take the test for the first time, register and prepare for the fall SAT or ACT. Better scores may lead to better financial aid offers.

Talk to your parents or guardian about their ability to help you pay for college. Continue to search for scholarships online at: www.fastweb.com www.collegenet.com/mach25 www.scholarships.com

Use the ISM College Planning Worksheet to compare costs at the colleges you are considering. (www.ISMCollegePlanning.org/PlanningWorksheet)

Email Outreach@ISMCollegePlanning.org with any questions about paying for college.

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), required of all applicants for financial aid. To be eligible for state of Indiana aid the form is due at the Federal Processor by March 10. It’savailable online at www.fafsa.gov. Note: Some colleges may have an earlier deadline. Make sure you meet that deadline and not miss a possible opportunity for institutional financial aid.

Watch for events in your community or at your high school to assist you with completing the FAFSA. Remember you can contact ISM College Planning at Outreach@ISMCollegePlanning.org forassistance as well!

Continue searching for and applying for scholarships. In fact, keep looking for scholarships until you have graduated college. This is free money that doesn’t have to be paid back, which means less you have to borrow.

Follow up with the colleges you are applying to and confirm that they have received your Admissions and Financial Aid applications. Ask about any additional financial aid forms that may be required.

Review your financial aid offers and compare costs. Check deadlines for sending in your required deposit, housing application, or any other forms requested by the school. Remember to let the other schools know that you won’t be attending.

Search for and apply for late deadline scholarships.

Finish high school strong! Keep up the good grades!

If you don’t have a summer job yet, look for one. It will be a big help to have some extra money when you start your freshman year.

Senior Year ChecklistFall:

Spring:

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Winter:

251 N. Illinois St. • Suite 400 Indianapolis, IN 46204

Ph: 317.715.9007 Outreach@ISMCollegePlanning.org

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