The international applicant to universities in the United States must submit a certificate of finances with supporting evidence to the stateside school that they wish to attend. Many schools have their own forms; however, most schools will accept the form designed by College Board. Students must check with the school they are applying to learn what form is acceptable. The confidential financial information provided on these forms can be used to establish the student's need for scholarship monies, etc. A Certificate of Finances is required before a college can issue the I-20 that must be presented along with other documents to obtain a Student Visa.
For further information and to download the College Board forms, please refer to the following web site:
Important Information for U.S. Citizens and Permanent U.S. Residents
Most colleges or other institutions require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which is available in December on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The CSS/Financial Aid Profile is required by some colleges and is available in September on the web at collegeboard.org. Check if your school requires this form before you mail your application as each school requires a fee to process the CSS forms. When completing the financial aid applications, make sure you answer all questions as thoroughly as possible so you can be considered for as many types of aid as possible.
Types of Financial Aid
SCHOLARSHIPS – awards given for a variety of reasons, such as good grades, special
talents or career plans.
GRANTS – aid awarded, based on financial need, that you don't have to repay.
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT – money you earn for college by working part-time at the college
or university you are attending, or off-campus in the community.
LOANS – borrowed money that you or your parents must repay over time with interest
In addition, federal law requires that a certain percentage of all applications be verified. Colleges that you apply to may request additional information. The information that could be required might include documentation of your or your parents' income tax return. Therefore, it is handy to have tax records available as soon as possible after January 1 st .
After you file your need analysis, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the processor. Verify the accuracy of the information on the document. If corrections are needed, follow the instructions provided and return the SAR to the processor. If no corrections are necessary, proceed as directed by the financial aid office of the college you plan to attend.
Once your file has been reviewed, you will be notified if you are eligible for aid. If eligible, you will be sent a Notification of Financial Aid Award listing the program or programs of aid being offered to you for the academic year.
To apply for a Federal Stafford Loan, you may need to complete another form, which you can obtain from a bank or savings and load institutions working with the Stafford Load Program. If a Federal Stafford Load is part of your award, the load data will be sent to your lender.
Obtaining financial aid will require a considerable amount of research and effort on your part. Success in the endeavor is primarily up to you. Start this search during your junior year (grade 11). Also, you should become knowledgeable about financial aid and adept in figuring educational expenses. The publication Meeting College Costs, published by the College Scholarship Service of the College Entrance Examination Board, is available in the guidance office.
