Hello,
I applied to a few post bac programs starting this summer (May/June). I haven’t heard back from the programs yet, but if I don’t get accepted, I’m still planning to go the informal post bac route at those universities.
For undergrad, I was fortunate enough to have the help of my parents paying for everything. Now, with post bac and med school, I’m on my own. I don’t know a thing about financial aid/grants/scholarships. If I enroll in a post bac program, I assume I could enroll in financial aid for that specific program? What if I decided to take prereq classes on my own without being in a program? How would I apply for financial aid then?
Where do I go for financial aid/grants/scholarships? The only place I know is FASFA?
Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated.
Nana, if you’re planning to go the informal route, I would recommend you enroll as a degree-seeking student. (i.e, as if you are planning to complete a second degree). Since you didn’t borrow any money for your original undergrad, you should be in good shape as far as borrowing for your post-bacc classes. You can borrow money as a non-degree student, but there are limitations on the courses you can take and the time period. You would by far have the most flexibility as a second degree student.
You will need to fill out a FAFSA no matter what, so you can get started on that. In fact, you probably need to fill out TWO FAFSAs. Summer courses will be on the 2010-2011 academic year and require that application. Fall courses will be on the 2011-2012 academic year and need that application.
You also need to choose your school and make an appointment at their financial aid office ASAP. It is pretty late in the game to get any scholarships for the summer, but there still may be some that would be worth applying for in the fall. Typically, you can apply for federal loans at just about any point in the game, but if you are hoping to get any additional aid for next year, the deadlines might already be past. Another consideration is that schools may already be enrolling students in courses for next fall and you may find yourself shut out of classes.