Start saving your pennies, and applying for grants and loans, because here comes the time to start planning for financial aid. Take a look through some of these tips when you start looking for financing options, take notes, because even if you don’t think you’re eligible you may still get money! Keep these tips in mind as you begin your college search. Read on:

1. Start early!
You should start thinking about applying for financial aid and private scholarships as early as possible. Most financial aid programs are on a first come, first serve basis so it is best to be prepared so you can get your forms in first.

2. Apply even if you don’t think you’re eligible!
Sometimes families that earn $50,000 - $100,000 per year think they are not eligible for any financial aid or federal aid because they think they make too much money. The truth is, most of the time you are still eligible for SOME money, so it is definitely worth applying to see. Also, the FAFSA is usually required for state financial aid programs and others, so you want to make sure you fill it out anyway. So, definitely apply!

3. Don’t wait until past January to fill out your financial aid forms!
Most financial aid programs are paid out on a first come first serve basis, so as soon as the new FAFSA forms and others become available at the beginning of the year, fill them out and send them in. Waiting past January may not get you the maximum amount of money you may be eligible for. Earlier is better!

4. Plan for all four years - Not just the first!
Sounds like common sense, but some people get so excited about the first year financial aid package that they may receive from their school, and they forget to think about the remaining years at college! Colleges may entice you to a school with a beefy first year financial aid package, but make sure to inquire about the second, third and fourth years. Is it the same payout, do they have the same eligibility requirements, etc.? Make sure to ask, and start laying out your plan for every year in school.

5. Look into state financial aid programs
In addition to filling out the FAFSA application for federal aid, make sure you look into the programs that might be offered within your state. Most state programs require the FAFSA to be filled out first. Additional funding is set aside by the states for financial aid programs though, so you want to make sure you apply to everything you can. For example California has the CalGrant financial aid program available to a wide variety of post secondary education students and is the largest source of California state aid.

6. Check into the college’s financial aid programs
When applying for schools, don’t just look at their course offerings, take the time to also see if they have any financial aid programs. Some schools will have their own need based aid programs and it may help you make your decision when choosing where to apply.

7. Apply to more than one college
Colleges want you! So, it’s best to apply to more than one college, and colleges that are about equal in offerings and standings. If you receive financial aid packages from more than one school, you may be able to negotiate a better package from them if they know you are considering another similar school.

8. Don’t just focus on private scholarships.
You will see a lot of private scholarships out there, but did you know that private scholarships only represent a very, very small percentage of the amount of money available for college. The remaining percentage (as high as 99% of all college grants!!) comes from federal and state financial aid and grants. Although you should definitely look into applying to some private scholarships (Hey, you never know right?) you shouldn’t spend all your time focusing on it. Time is best spent making sure all your forms are in for federal and state aid.

9. Don’t wait too long to apply for private scholarships.
Although private scholarships only represent a small percentage of the total amount of money that goes towards college, you won’t get any of it if you don’t at least try for a few! But the same goes for financial aid, start early and apply early! Pay attention to deadlines and get your application in fast for your best chance at it.

10. Complete financial aid forms accurately and completely
One of the top reasons people don’t receive their financial aid is from inaccurate or incomplete forms. Take the time and care to make sure and double check your forms. Don’t leave blank spaces, don’t use white out, and double check your information. This will ensure that your form gets processed quickly.