Susy B- Edukation4all

Susy B- Edukation4all Educational Consultant agency helping students and families with: national and International College

Paying for College Doesn't Have to Mean Going Broke — Here's Where to Find Free Scholarship Money College Planning · F...
04/28/2026

Paying for College Doesn't Have to Mean Going Broke — Here's Where to Find Free Scholarship Money

College Planning · Financial Aid

Telemundo contacted me today asking about fraud and scams targeting students and families — and the conversation reminded me of something important: so many people are navigating this process completely in the dark. If a major news network is covering it, the problem is bigger than most of us realize.
Every year, billions of dollars in scholarship money go unclaimed — not because students don't need it, but because they don't know where to look, or, worse, they fall victim to scams that pretend to offer it.

Whether you're a student, a parent, or a counselor helping someone navigate the college process, this is for you. I've put together a list of the safest, most reliable places to search and apply for scholarships — all completely free.

The sites worth bookmarking
These platforms are well-established, free to use, and trusted by students and counselors nationwide:
• Fastweb.com -Largest free scholarship database — personalized matches
• Scholarships.com -Filter by major, state, GPA & more
• Bold.org -Growing database with legitimate, vetted scholarships
• Cappex.com -Scholarships + college fit tools
• CollegeBoard.org -Scholarship search from the makers of the SAT
• StudentAid.gov -Official federal aid, grants & FAFSA portal
• Niche.com -Scholarships, college rankings & reviews
• CareerOneStop.org -U.S. Dept. of Labor–sponsored scholarship finder

Don't overlook two of the most overlooked sources: your state's higher education commission(search "[your state] scholarship program") and the financial aid pages of the colleges you're applying to. Merit and need-based aid from the school itself is often the most significant.

A word of warning
Scholarship scams are real, and they target students and families — often the most vulnerable ones. Red flags to watch for: any site that charges a fee to search or apply, scholarships that ask for bank account or SSN details upfront, "guaranteed" awards you never applied for, or anything that requires you to buy a product to be eligible. Legitimate scholarships are always free to apply for.

The bigger picture
College affordability is one of the biggest challenges facing students today. But there's real money out there — from community foundations, professional associations, local businesses, nonprofits, and more. The key is to start early, stay organized, and use trusted resources.
If you're a student: set aside time each week to apply. Small scholarships add up fast. If you're a professional or educator, share this with someone you know navigating this process. It might make a real difference.
The application process is already stressful enough. At least the scholarship search doesn't have to cost you anything — and it should never cost you your savings.

FAFSA Form ChangesBeginning with the 2026–27 award year, the OBBBA updates the Student Aid Index (SAI) asset calculation...
09/25/2025

FAFSA Form Changes
Beginning with the 2026–27 award year, the OBBBA updates the Student Aid Index (SAI) asset calculation to exclude the following from the current net worth of business and farms, and should not be reported as assets on the FAFSA form:

The net worth of a family-owned business with 100 or fewer full-time (or full-time equivalent) employees.

The net worth of a farm on which the family resides.

The net worth of a commercial fishing business and related expenses, owned and controlled by a family.

These changes are reflected in the 2026–27 FAFSA form that is currently being beta tested (see APP-25-18).

Pell Grant Eligibility Changes
The OBBBA made the following changes to the Pell Grant eligibility criteria, beginning with the 2026–27 award year:

The foreign earned income exclusion amount reported on the FAFSA form will be added to the adjusted gross income (AGI) when determining Pell Grant eligibility.

An applicant with an SAI equal to or greater than twice the maximum Pell Grant award amount for the award year are ineligible for a Pell Grant.

For the 2026–27 award year, this threshold is $14,790.

Note, this limit does not apply to students who qualify for a Pell Grant under the Special Rule (dependents of certain deceased servicemembers and Public Safety Officers).

These Pell Grant eligibility changes will be implemented with the official launch of the 2026–27 FAFSA form by Oct. 1, 2025.

Beta testing impact: Some beta testing participants may be impacted by these Pell Grant eligibility changes. The Department will identify and reprocess impacted applications submitted during the beta testing period (August and September) after the changes are implemented.

Finally, we would like to remind the community that any 2026–27 FAFSA forms submitted during the beta period are real submissions and do not need to be resubmitted once the form opens to the general public in October.

Contact Information
FAFSA form changes: Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243 (1-800-4 FED AID).

FAFSA processing: FPS Help Desk at 1-800-330-5947 or by email at [email protected].

Creating an FSA ID to fill out the FAFSA:HOW TO CREATE A FSA IDTo create an FSA ID, follow these steps:Go to the Create ...
09/25/2025

Creating an FSA ID to fill out the FAFSA:

HOW TO CREATE A FSA ID
To create an FSA ID, follow these steps:
Go to the Create an Account (FSA ID) webpage at studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch.
Click "Get Started."
Enter your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
Create a username and password, and enter your email address.
Create and confirm a password.
Enter your permanent mailing address.
Review your information and read and accept the terms and conditions.
Confirm your email address using the secure code sent to your email.
Once verified, you can use your FSA ID to sign the FAFSA and access other Federal Student Aid websites

FAFSA Information for parents to gather:Social Security number for each parenton the FAFSA (if the parent(s) has oneDate...
09/25/2025

FAFSA Information for parents to gather:

Social Security number for each parent
on the FAFSA (if the parent(s) has one
Date of birth for each parent on the
FAFSA
Email address
Month and year parents were married,
divorced, separated, or widowed
Federal tax return from two years prior
(if filed)
Other financial information if
applicable: federal benefits received,
earned income credit, foreign income,
and child support received
Value of any cash, savings account,
and checking account
Net worth of any investments,
businesses, and farms
Create your FSA ID, which is your FAFSA username and pas

FAFSA information for students gather:Social Security numberDate of birthEmail addressPermanent Resident Card, if not aU...
09/25/2025

FAFSA information for students gather:

Social Security number
Date of birth
Email address
Permanent Resident Card, if not a
U.S. Citizen
Federal tax return from two years
prior (if the student filed)
Value of any cash, savings account,
and checking account

Applying to college? Your essay could be your most powerful asset. Whether you're targeting the Ivy League or your ideal...
04/07/2025

Applying to college? Your essay could be your most powerful asset. Whether you're targeting the Ivy League or your ideal state school, your college essay presents an opportunity to shine—and your narrative deserves to be shared effectively.

Explore my recent article: "How to Write a College Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide." From grasping the prompt to highlighting your development, this comprehensive guide leads you through each phase of the writing journey with practical, actionable advice.

“How to Write a College Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide”

Writing a college essay can feel daunting, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase a unique voice and stand out to admissions officers.

1. Understand the Prompt – Read Between the Lines
What’s the college asking? Often, prompts aim to get at your values, how you think, or how you handle growth. Use the “Why does this matter?” test.

2. Brainstorm Ideas – Dig Deeper Than the Surface
Reflect on why those moments mattered. Look for contrasts and turning points.

3. Create an Outline – Think in Scenes
Treat your essay like a short film or mini-movie. Focus on one main narrative arc. Your structure can also follow the “past, present, future”

4. Be Genuine – Vulnerability is Strength
It’s okay (and powerful) to show imperfection. Admissions readers connect with honesty, not a robot, résumé, or superhero.

5. Write, Revise, and Edit – Don’t Fall in Love Too Fast
Your first draft is just clay. Don’t polish too soon—focus on shaping the content first.

6. Show, Don’t Tell – Use the ‘Camera Test’
Pretend a camera is filming you. What would it see?

7. Stay Within the Word Limit – Be Intentional
Think: “Would I rather say this... or something better?”

8. Reflect Your Growth – Don’t Just List Events

Finally, remember to:
Keep a personal tone,
Avoid over-editing
Don’t chase what “sounds impressive.”

Time for a Decision: Choosing the Right CollegeThe moment has arrived—after months of applications, essays, and anticipa...
03/21/2025

Time for a Decision: Choosing the Right College
The moment has arrived—after months of applications, essays, and anticipation, it's time to decide which college /university to attend. This decision marks a pivotal step in shaping a student’s personal and professional journey. With so much at stake, how does a student make the choice that feels just right?
One of the key elements is to revisit why you applied to that university. What were your goals and priorities? Does the college align with your aspirations? Consider its academic programs, campus culture, extracurricular opportunities, and how well it fits your long-term vision now compared to when you applied. Reflect on whether you see yourself growing and thriving in that environment.
Remember, practical factors like location, cost, and available scholarships also play a role. Financial health is an essential part of the equation. It is recommended to seek advice from mentors, family, and trusted friends—they often provide valuable perspectives students might not have considered.
Finally, trust your intuition. While facts and figures are crucial, the feeling of "belonging" often emerges as a deciding factor. Picture yourself on campus—can you see it becoming your home away from home?
Choosing your college isn't just about the next four years; it's a step toward the person you're becoming. So take a deep breath, weigh your options, and move forward confidently—you've got this!

To prepare for the 2025–26 FAFSA form, which will be available on or before December 1, 2024, follow these steps:Create ...
10/29/2024

To prepare for the 2025–26 FAFSA form, which will be available on or before December 1, 2024, follow these steps:

Create an FSA ID: Both the student and at least one parent (if the student is dependent) should create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID. This ID is used to sign and submit the FAFSA form electronically.

Gather Necessary Documents: Documents needed to fill out the FAFSA form:

Social Security Numbers (SSNs): For the student and parents, if applicable.
2023 Tax Returns: Income information from the 2023 tax year is required.
Records of Child Support Received: If applicable.
Current Bank Balances: Including savings and checking accounts.
Net Worth of Investments, Businesses, and Farms: If applicable.
Review the 2024–25 FAFSA Form:

Familiarizing yourself with last year's form can help you understand the questions and information required. https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/2024-25-fafsa.pdf

Completing these steps will prepare you to complete the 2025–26 FAFSA form when it is released, facilitating a smoother financial aid application process. If you require help, do not hesitate to contact me.

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