| Compare aid award Aid award is the financial aid | | | | After doing the above steps for each aid award |
| package which includes gift aid and loans. When you | | | | package you will have a clear view of which package |
| compare all the different aid award packages from | | | | is financially best, but when it comes down to |
| colleges there are a few things you must do. | | | | choosing a college try to go for the one that fits |
| You have to find out the amount of money you and | | | | your personality and future / career goals. If you can |
| or your family has to pay on top of this package to | | | | not afford this college you can go talk to the financial |
| afford the college. | | | | aid office and they can come up with a new plan. If |
| Then check what part of the aid award package is | | | | you feel a college is rewarding to much, in terms of |
| gift aid and what part of it are student loans. | | | | loans you can always turn down a certain part of the |
| After finding out what part are student loans you | | | | aid package but know that if in need you will have to |
| must find out which loans are subsidized and which | | | | find the money elsewhere. After you chose a college |
| loans are not. | | | | and so an aid award package be sure to let the |
| After you have that all worked out you must check | | | | other colleges know that you are turning them down |
| the amount you will have to payback after college. | | | | so that a spot for another student opens up. |