Financial Aid/Scholarships

BOHS Scholarship Book

This book provides financial aid and scholarship information. The initial overview of the financial aid process is crucial; read it carefully. We also offer a highly recommended Financial Aid Night in January for in-depth guidance on financing college.

The second section details scholarships. Listen to daily announcements and check the scholarship bulletin monthly for scholarships sent to the guidance office. The guidance secretary and counselor can assist with applications, as they keep some on hand. Scholarship deadlines vary annually, but most are in the spring. For scholarships not sent to the guidance office, contact the provided address(es) with a self-addressed stamped envelope or download applications from the listed websites. Contacting both addresses, when provided, ensures timely receipt of materials.

Be aware that scholarship details can change; addresses may be updated, or scholarships discontinued. We update this book annually and appreciate being notified of any changes.

Given technological advancements, this book complements online resources. Utilize the listed websites for the most current scholarship and financial aid information. Good luck!

The Brea Olinda Counselors

Scholarships

WHAT ABOUT SCHOLARSHIPS?

High achieving students may believe that charitable organizations, community groups and others will be anxious to recognize excellence by rewarding them with a scholarship.
Few scholarships will find their way to students unless they look for them first. While many scholarships are available, their requirements vary greatly.
Applying for scholarships may take some work. Some time has to be devoted to researching different kinds of scholarships. It’s seldom as easy as filling out one application such as the single form many universities require for financial aid.
Scholarships are often awarded on the basis of a combination of financial need and academic merit. OTHERS ARE GRANTED FOR ACADEMIC MERIT ONLY, such as CSU and UC scholarships which are awarded each spring to select seniors with highest gpa's.
Not all scholarships require a straight “A” average. Many scholarships require a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a membership in service organizations or involvement in community and extracurricular activities.
Academic and athletic departments at colleges and universities often offer scholarships. Some departmental scholarships may be available to freshmen, while others are only for continuing students majoring in particular areas. Students should contact the coach of their particular sport or the department that includes a particular major.
Be aware that the deadlines for filing scholarship applications vary. There are different cycles for applying for scholarships. Usually, however, the filing periods for most are mid-January to mid-April with awards made the following fall.

Why isn’t it easier to find and apply for scholarships? Many organizations and groups are interested in students who show leadership abilities. Requesting an application, typing it instead of writing it, following directions—these efforts are often important to those awarding scholarships. They’re interested in students who TAKE THE INITIATIVE AND FOLLOW THROUGH. A student can be no less industrious in seeking and applying for scholarships than he or she was in vying for the top grades that qualify a student for most scholarships.

Federal Aid: Aid is available from the federal government in the form of grants, work-study funds, and loans. Students use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to apply.

Grants - Financial aid that does not need to be paid back typically based on academic gpa.

Scholarships - Financial aid that does not need to be paid back typically based on achievement or talent.

Cal Grant Information

There are three kinds of CAL Grants: Cal Grant A; Cal Grant B; and Cal Grant C. Cal Grants can be used at any UC, CSU, California Community College, almost all independent colleges, and many career and technical schools in California.

To be eligible for a Cal Grant you must:

Submit a FAFSA application.
Meet minimum GPA requirements (Your GPA will automatically be submitted to the California Student Aid Commission)
Be a US Citizen
Be a California Resident
Have a Social Security Number
Attend a qualifying CALIFORNIA college
Have financial need based on your college costs and your EFC (Expected Family Contribution)
Be in a program leading to an undergraduate degree or certificate
Be enrolled at least half time

To find out more about the Cal Grant program please visit the Cal Grants Website.

CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE^®

Some private schools will require you to fill out the PROFILE in addition to the FAFSA. This is used to find financial info that is not provided on the FAFSA. The PROFILE has different due dates depending on the college so check your college/university financial aid websites to determine if this is required and when it is due. The PROFILE can be found at the following website:

CSS Financial Aid Profile

Financial Aid Resources

FAFSA

FAFSA INFORMATION

Beginning on Oct. 1st of the student's senior year, the FAFSA will be available.

An FSA ID is a username and password that you must use to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education (ED) websites. Your FSA ID identifies you as someone who has the right to access your own personal information on ED websites such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). To create your FSA ID and find out additional information visit: FAFSA and FSA ID Information.