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For most of us, money is the greatest factor that hinders high school graduates from going to college. Some resort to student loans and scholarships while others set their college dream aside and look for a mediocre job to provide their daily needs. Nonetheless, there is the Federal Pell Grant, a need-based federal financial aid program for college students. These grants can vary from the need of the student but they can be as high as $3000 and most notably, they don’t have to be repaid.

Here below are some steps and things you should consider when you are applying for Pell Grant:

1. Meeting the criteria. You should be a high school graduate, high school senior or an undergraduate college student.  You should belong to any of this group in order to be considered for the grant, grades don’t matter.
2. Early Application. Usually, the deadline for submission of applications isn’t until spring of each year for which you seek funding. However, you must take note that the grant is only offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
3. Prepare your documents. Since Pell Grant is a need-based financial aid program, it is important that you prepare supporting financial documents to assess your reason for applying for the grant. Examples of these documents are: tax returns and W2s from the previous tax year (your parent’s form in case you’re listed as their dependent), driver’s license, recent bank statements, and other valid identifications. (Make sure to make copies of the original documents when sending them in together with your application.)
4. Fill out the FAFSA form. Obtain a free copy of the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from your guidance counselor’s office, fill it out and send it in. On the other hand, you can visit the FAFSA website and fill out their online application form and submit it from there.
5. Review the SAR. As a response to your submitted FAFSA form, you will receive the Student Aid Report (SAR). This document will inform you if you are qualified for and Pell Grant, and if so, for how much money you are entitled. Carefully read the details and information contained on this document and make sure to follow the instructions given for claiming the Pell Grant money.

With the following steps and procedures, it wouldn’t be too hard for you to get that Federal Pell Grant you need to make your college dream come true. Good luck with your application!