Application Information

Thank you for considering Patrick Henry College in your educational plans. We welcome applications from students who have a growing relationship with Jesus and are well prepared for our rigorous academic programs. The Office of Admissions at PHC is looking forward to working with you during the application process.

The Admissions Review Committee at Patrick Henry College is looking for students who are spiritually and academically prepared for PHC. Committee members will look at each applicant's life as a whole and take all application materials into consideration when making their decision.

The Application Process

1. Application Materials
   • 1.1 Application Checklist
   • 1.2 Information on Application Materials
     • Degree Seeking Application Process
       • Application requirements
       • The Admissions Review Process
     • Non-Degree Seeking Application Process
       • Application requirements
2. Personal Interview
3. Deadlines
4. Further Information
• Note to Homeschool Applicants
• Credits by Transfer and Examination
• Credit from other sources
• Contact Information
5. Resources
   • Preparing for Patrick Henry College
   • Great Book List
   • College planning guide
   • Financing your college education
   • Download a sample high school transcript
   • Download a high school transcript template
   • Web-based Resources
     • HSLDA’s High School Coordinators
     • SAT
     • ACT

Apply Now For the Fall 2008 Term

• Download application booklet
• Apply online

Forms

• Download application form
• Download recommendation form

Important links

• Statement of Faith
• Statement of Biblical Worldview
• Student Covenant and Honor Code
• 2006 Student Handbook
• Visit PHC

PATRICK HENRY COLLEGE NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY: Patrick Henry College is committed to the policy that the College will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age or disability with respect to (i) student admissions, (ii) use of facilities and exercise of student privileges, (iii) scholarship and loan programs, and (iv) the hiring, discipline, discharge, benefits, compensation, and other terms of employment of its faculty, administration, and support staff. The College shall maintain its constitutional and statutory right to discriminate on the basis of religion in order to accomplish the religious mission of the College.

The Application Process

1. Application Materials (back to top)

Application Checklist (back to top)

In order to ensure that your Application for admission is reviewed by the Admissions Review Committee, the following items must be submitted. Please refer to the Information on Application Materials for detailed information. To download the Application Checklist in PDF format, click here.

• Completed and signed admission application
• Official high school transcript
• Official college transcripts (if applicable)
• Official SAT and/or ACT score(s)
• Extra-curricular activities and interests list
• Reading list
• Admissions essays (2)
• Recommendation forms (2) - download the PDF version

The application and all submitted materials must be solely the work of the prospective student. Please make a copy of all application materials in case they are lost in the mail. Patrick Henry College will not return applications, any accompanying materials, or copies thereof.

1.2 Information on Application Materials (back to top)

The Degree Seeking Application Process at Patrick Henry College

A degree seeking student is one who has applied and been fully admitted to Patrick Henry College.  The student may either be full or part time, but working toward the completion of a degree.  A degree-seeking student is admitted to the College as either a traditional on-campus student or as a Distance Learning student (Campus and Home) who fulfills part of their coursework online.  Admissions standards are the same for each.  Campus and Home students may only complete core requirements as offered via distance learning and must complete the final two years of their program on campus.

Application requirements:

• Complete application for admission (paper or electronic)
• Provide official transcripts from all schools attended
• Standardized test scores (SAT and/or ACT)
• Admissions essays (2)
• List of books student has read in the last four years
• List of community outreach and involvement
• Two recommendation forms
• Personal interview

The Admissions Review Process

The Admissions Review Committee at Patrick Henry College is looking for students who are spiritually and academically fit for PHC.  They are committed to looking at the applicant’s life as a whole and consider several factors in making their decisions. 

Patrick Henry College recognizes there are many different and legitimate approaches to preparing for college.  Regardless of the form of academic preparation, applicants must provide documentation of high school level studies.

Once the Committee has reviewed the applicant’s materials, an appointment for a personal interview may be scheduled.  The interview is required of all applicants prior to admission.  Most interviews are conducted by phone.  Notification of the admissions decision by the Admissions Review Committee will be sent by personal letter.

The Non-degree Seeking Application Process at Patrick Henry College

A non-degree seeking student is one who has been approved to take courses for personal or professional enrichment, but is not working toward the completion of a degree. The student may take up to 30 credits while in this status. All credits successfully completed will apply toward a degree program if a student is later accepted for degree-seeking admission.

Special note for dual-enrollment students: Dual-enrollment students are non-degree seeking students who are currently enrolled in high school and taking college courses for both high school and college credit. These students are also called “High School Special Students.” They may take the courses on campus or via Distance Learning.

Minimum Requirements for Non-Degree Seeking Admission

Application requirements for on campus studies:

• Complete the application for non-degree seeking students.
• Submit official transcripts of all high school and college level studies completed to date.  This should include:  subjects studied, time frame in which the work was completed, and grade assigned for each course. Homeschool transcripts must include a signature in ink from the school administrator to be considered official.
• A written essay (not to exceed three double-spaced typed pages) describing your relationship with Jesus Christ and your personal walk of faith. Include in this essay your college aspirations and the reasons you would like to take courses at Patrick Henry College.
• If the applicant has taken the SAT or ACT exam, results should be submitted.  Results must show levels of achievement substantially exceeding norms for the student’s peer group, and, in conjunction with examples of the student’s academic work, demonstrate readiness for college level work.
• Completed recommendation form (from the application packet).
• A signed copy of PHC’s Statement of Faith.

General Admissions Policies

The minimum requirements for admission to Patrick Henry College for either the traditional on campus program or the Distance Learning program include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Students may begin taking distance learning courses once they reach 16 years of age. Those who live within commuting distance may begin taking courses on campus at age 16. Students may begin living on campus once they reach 17 years of age.
• Degree seeking students must provide documentation of successful completion of homeschool, private, or public high school or its equivalent.
• Students must submit a completed application for admission.
• The Admissions Review Committee must find the completed application for admission satisfactory as evidenced by a strong correlation between the applicant’s responses and PHC’s institutional mission and Statement of Faith.
• The Admissions Review Committee must find that the applicant’s academic ability is minimally established as evidenced by academic transcripts documenting rigorous pre-college coursework and by submission of satisfactory SAT or ACT test score results. Generally, an applicant’s score on the SAT must exceed 550 per section (or a 24 composite score on the ACT) in order to be considered for admission.

Official High School Transcripts - Please provide official transcripts from all schools attended. It is preferred that transcripts be sent from the high school to Patrick Henry College. Official transcripts are not accepted until completion of your high school junior year.

The College requires that a minimum of 18 high school level courses be completed. The following courses should be completed prior to admission to Patrick Henry College:

Transcript Information - Students who attend private or public schools and homeschool students who have utilized a coordinating third-party for the high-school curriculum should request that an official transcript be sent to the Office of Admissions during the admissions process.  An official transcript is a transcript that has been sealed by the authorizing entity (school or college) and left unopened until it is delivered to the Office of Admissions.

It is preferred that transcripts be sent from the high school and/or college directly to Patrick Henry College. Official transcripts are not accepted until after the completion of the junior year of high school. Please include high school level work that was completed prior to 9th grade. Please also list courses currently in process and/or planned.

Final High School Transcripts: After all high school work is complete and prior to enrollment, PHC must receive the student’s final, official high school transcript containing the date of graduation and signature of the school administrator.

Official College Transcripts (if applicable): Students who have earned college credit and seek to enroll at Patrick Henry College must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Evaluation of college transcripts for transfer credit proceeds after acceptance. See the “Credits by Transfer and Examination” section of the application for detailed policy information.  Please ask the institution(s) to send official transcripts to:

Admission Review Committee
Patrick Henry College
One Patrick Henry Circle
Purcellville, VA 20132

Standardized Test Scores - You are required to submit scores from the SAT and/or ACT. If you take the ACT, please be sure to register for the optional writing section. Your test results should be sent to the Office of Admissions directly from the testing agency.  Scores received directly from the applicant are not considered official.  PHC's institutional code numbers are 2804 for the SAT and 4383 for the ACT.

Extracurricular Activities and Interests - Please provide a list of your community outreach activities and involvement, as well as your interests.

• List of community outreach and involvement: Provide a bulleted list of community service, ministry activities, political or governmental experiences, and employment history during the past four years.
• Comment briefly on any particularly significant experience(s) that had an impact on your interest in public service or caused you to want to influence our culture. (optional)
• Interests: List your hobbies, interests, and talents.

Reading list - Please list books you have read in the last four years; these should include recreational reading as well as reading for your courses of study.

Admissions Essays - The following essays are required of all prospective students.

• Faith and purpose essays: Please answer the following questions in essay form. Each answer should be a minimum of 500 – 750 words.

             1. Please describe your relationship with Jesus Christ and the role your Christian walk plays in your life.

           2. Please describe what book, person, or event has had the biggest influence in your vocational goals and the role you believe PHC can play in
           those goals.

• Application essay : Dr. Gene Edward Veith is the Provost at Patrick Henry College.  He has written a book titled Loving God with All Your Mind: Thinking as a Christian in the Postmodern World.  You will find selections from his book in the 2008 Application for Admission. 

  Please carefully read the passage and write a three to five page double-spaced essay addressing two of the three following questions: 

  1. In paragraphs 7-11, Dr. Veith describes several non-Christian assumptions that influence modern culture and the way people think.  Focusing on one or two specific areas, how do you see the idea that truth is merely a construction of the human mind impacting modern culture?

  2. Dr. Veith identifies two errors Christians can make in response to these non-Christian influences on modern society: they can either withdraw or compromise. How can Christians avoid these two errors, and what does it look like, instead, to engage intellectually with modern society?

  3. What do you think it means for a Christian to love God with all one's mind?

Recommendations - Please ask individuals providing the recommendations to use the forms provided here (in PDF format). The Admissions Review Committee will not accept recommendations from family members. In order for your application to be complete and reviewed by the Admissions Review Committee, you must provide recommendations from the following:

• Pastor or another leader in your church who can comment on your faith and spiritual life.
• Teacher or work/volunteer supervisor who can comment on your character.

Please ask the writers to place the completed form in a sealed envelope and then write their signature across the seal. They may return the envelope to you or mail it directly to the Admissions Review Committee.

Please note that you may also submit an optional reference letter from your parent(s) or guardian(s).

A personal interview will be required of all students prior to admission. Upon recommendation of the Admissions Review Committee, applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview.

Fall 2008 Applicants
Early Application and Financial Aid Priority Deadline – January 15
Regular Application and Financial Aid Deadline – June 15
We practice rolling admissions.

The Patrick Henry College Admissions Review Committee will begin reviewing Fall 2008 applications beginning mid-September of 2007. Applications will be reviewed only after all required materials have been received.

Note on the Early Application & Financial Aid Priority Deadline: Students that have all admission application materials and the Financial Aid Application submitted by Application and Financial Aid Priority Deadline are assured that 100% of the financial aid published in this Financial Aid Award Schedule will be available.

After the Deadline, applications will still be accepted and reviewed; however, due to the limited number of certain scholarships and funding resources, the availability of scholarships and grants is not guaranteed.

To be eligible for all of the scholarships offered from Patrick Henry, students must submit all Admissions Application materials and a completed Financial Aid Application by the Early Application and Financial Aid Priority Deadline.

For students seeking need-based aid: the College Board CSS/PROFILE® does not have to be submitted by the Priority Deadline. It is recommended that 2007 taxes be completed before submitting the PROFILE® so that the most accurate information is reported. The deadline for submission of the PROFILE® is June 15.

>Note to Homeschool Applicants (back to top)
Homeschool students may submit a transcript of high school course work that has been produced by their parents. It should list subjects studied (with specific course titles), broken down into units, and should indicate the year in which each course was completed. PHC prefers that the transcript also list a grade for each course. If grades are not assigned, please use some other means to indicate the level of mastery the student achieved in each course.

As an alternative, homeschooling families may provide a narrative description of the applicant’s
college preparatory work, including a description of subjects studied and an overall evaluation of the quality of work. In order to thoroughly evaluate applicants, the College needs to know what subjects applicants have studied as well as when and to what extent they studied them.  In order to be considered official, homeschool transcripts must be hand-signed in ink by the parent acting as the school administrator.

• Download a sample high school transcript
• Download a high school transcript template

Credits by Transfer and Examination (back to top)

The following three guidelines are used to determine the general acceptability of transfer credit:

1) the educational quality of the institution; 2) the equivalency of the nature, content, and level   of course; 3) the direct appropriateness and applicability of the credits earned to the programs offered by Patrick Henry College. The following criteria govern the transfer of credit:

1. An official transcript from each institution attended must be submitted to the Office of Admissions prior to acceptance. Upon admission as a degree-seeking student, the Registrar will evaluate the transcript(s) submitted and issue a transfer credit evaluation to the prospective student. Transfer credits are applied to the student’s transcript upon enrollment.

2. Transfer students who are enrolled in courses during or after their acceptance must submit their transcript within 30 days of enrollment at PHC or the end of the course (whichever is later). Once enrolled, transfer credit may not be awarded unless transient student status is approved prior to the course.
3. The Registrar evaluates credit for transfer from institutions accredited by agencies authorized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. PHC may choose to accept transfer credit from institutions whose graduates have a high acceptance rate in graduate schools and law schools, and whose courses are taught by faculty with terminal degrees even though those institutions may have not sought accreditation as a matter of principle. In some cases, these credits may be conditionally accepted for transfer based upon earning a 2.0 cumulative PHC GPA upon completion of the first semester (or 12 credits).
4. PHC may accept up to 50 transfer credits. Up to 9 credits may be major courses. Courses may not be transferred to fulfill Freedoms Foundations I & II, Philosophy, Principles of Biblical Reasoning, Rhetoric, Western Literature I & II, History of the United States I & II. Transferred courses that do not apply to core courses or major courses are transferred as open electives.
5. The Registrar serves as the final authority in evaluating credit for transfer. In special   instances, students may submit supplemental course material (syllabi, catalog descriptions, etc.) to the Registrar to be reviewed. Upon evaluating this information, additional credit may be awarded.
6. Vocational, technical, developmental, remedial, and military courses or courses graded on a pass/fail scale are generally not eligible for transfer. Credits awarded on the basis of institutional or competency exams are not eligible for transfer. No credit will be awarded on the basis of life experience. No credit will be awarded for CLEP (College Level Examination Program).
7. Only courses with grades of ‘C’ and above will be considered. Grades and GradePoint Averages do not transfer.
8. Credits transferred from institutions on the quarter system will transfer on the followingscale: 5 and 4 quarter hours = 3 semester hours; 3 quarter hours = 2 semester hours; 2 and 1 quarter hours = 1 semester hour.

Credit from other sources (back to top)
Patrick Henry College recognizes the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board and will review the results of AP examinations for credit for first semester students. AP scores must be sent directly from the College Board to be evaluated (photocopies of student results are not evaluated). AP Examination Scores of 4 and 5 are evaluated for transfer according to the following table:

	AP Examination Score of 4 or 5
	Art: History of Art	Elective - 3 credits
	Calculus AB	Elective - 3 credits
	Calculus BC	Elective - 3 credits
	Chemistry	Elective - 3 credits
	Computer Science AB	Elective - 3 credits
	Economics: Micro***	Elective - 3 credits
	Economics: Macro***	Elective - 3 credits
	English Lit. & Comp.	Elective - 3 credits
	English Lang. & Comp.	Elective - 3 credits
	European History	HIS130* & HIS140*
	Human Geography	Elective - 3 credits
	French Language	Elementary Modern Language - 6 credits**
	French Literature	Elementary Modern Language - 6 credits**
	German Language	Elementary Modern Language - 6 credits
	Physics B	SCI220* & SCI220L*
	Spanish Language	Elementary Modern Language - 6 credits**
	Spanish Literature	Elementary Modern Language - 6 credits**

* It should be noted that though a student may receive credit for these courses, AP content may not include the biblical worldview content of PHC courses. The student may be expected to articulate this worldview in subsequent courses.

** Students who score a 4 or 5 on both Language and Literature will receive credit for both Elementary and Intermediate level proficiency.

*** Students who take both Micro-economics and Macro-economics will receive credit for ECON320.

Credits from the Program on Non-Collegiate Sponsored Instruction (PONSI), Dantes Subject Standardized Tests (DSST), and International Baccalaureate (IB) are evaluated on a case by basis.

Contact Information (back to top)
Please feel free to contact Patrick Henry College with any questions you might have. If you would like to reach us by phone, our phone number is 1-888-338- 1776. If you prefer e-mail, please use the department e-mail addresses listed below.

1. Academics Affairs: academicdean@phc.edu
2. Admissions: admissions@phc.edu
3. Campus Information: info@phc.edu
4. Financial Aid: financialaid@phc.edu
5. Housing: slife@phc.edu
6. Student Billing: studentbilling@phc.edu
7. Student Life: slife@phc.edu
8. Technology/Computers: helpdesk@phc.edu

Preparing for Patrick Henry College
There are several ways a student may prepare during high school to take full advantage of our programs. The most important thing a student can do is to pursue a broad, rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum. Students should not shy away from taking difficult subjects. We like to see students who have taken significant amounts of math and science in high school, because these subjects are noted for their rigor and analytical strength. Courses in trigonometry, calculus, chemistry, and physics are especially impressive on a student’s academic transcript. For a list of minimum high school course requirements, please refer to information in the Official High School Transcripts section.

Another important area of preparation involves reading the classical works of western literature. In this regard, students should follow the advice of Pliny to read, not many works, but a few important works carefully. In other words, carefully reading Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, Herodotus’ Histories, Vergil’s Aeneid, four or five of Plato’s dialogues, and a few of Cicero’s speeches is far better preparation than any one hundred titles, fiction or non-fiction, from the last fifty years. The ambitious student should read these Greco-Roman classics, and then move on to Dante, Milton, Shakespeare, Dickens, Dostoevsky, and others.

The final component of preparing well is learning to write effectively. This means writing according to the standards that others have set for clean and careful prose. On campus, we use Kate Turabian’s writing manual and the Elements of Style by Strunk and White. High school students would do themselves a tremendous favor if they purchased these texts and practiced the principles they present. As one of our faculty members has stated, “By the time one has reached college, spelling should not be a challenge, punctuation should not be hung on a sentence like Christmas ornaments, and arguments should proceed from premises to conclusion, not from opinions to bald assertions.” We have a very writing-intensive curriculum, so when we review applicants for admission, we pay careful attention to writing skills. Students are expected to come with writing skills already solidly in place.

We offer a distance learning program for those students who are ready for college-level courses during the later years of high school. Most of our core curriculum courses are offered through distance learning, and taking a few courses can be an excellent way to get taste of what makes a PHC education unique. It can also help you and the College to determine if you are ready for full-time studies.

Great Book List

The following is a list of some of the books that are read in various history and literature classes at Patrick Henry College.

College Planning Guide
(Adapted from monster.com)

9th Grade

• Research the most challenging course of study available
• Develop good study habits
• Begin constructing a literature list
• Select a service area to volunteer with
• Join clubs and activities in area of interest
• Job shadow or participate in career day, if possible
• Build relationships with peers, teachers, counselors, activity moderators and employers Research the standardized testing policies.  Check out www.collegeboard.org or www.act.org
• Discuss post high school plans with parent/guardians
• Begin to discuss college costs with parents/guardians
• Begin constructing a resume

10th Grade

• Job shadow or participate in career day, if possible
• Refine/Revise/Update your resume. Keep it simple!
• Continue developing literature list
• Continue discussing post high school plans with parent/guardians
• Review cost factors for college and investigate options
• Begin to look for leadership roles in clubs/activities
• Continue development of service activity
• Strengthen relationships with peers, teachers, counselors, activity moderators and employers-they will be writing recommendations for you down the road!
• Take the PSAT (www.collegeboard.org)
• Go to college fairs
• Continue working on study habits and note-taking skills

11th Grade

• Take the most challenging academic program available
• Demonstrate leadership and responsibility in community
• Begin a list of colleges and research them
• Gather career information - job shadow if possible
• Make the most out of your part time job
• Attend evening information sessions about college that occur in your area
• Go to college fairs
• Discuss testing plan with your parents
• Register, prepare for and take the PSAT/NMSQT
• Begin to consider which teachers, moderators, or employers you might use if you need recommendations
• Continue talking with your parents/guardians about your plans
• Request information from colleges
• Make plans to visit colleges
• Research scholarship opportunities
• Continue discussing college finances with parents/guardians
• Arrange to meet with College Financial Aid Representative
• Attend college fairs
• Develop plan for taking Standardized Tests (SAT and ACT)

12th Grade

Fall

• Request college info (including financial aid/housing)
• Keep copies of applications and forms sent to colleges
• Write essays/line up recommendations (if needed)
• Send test scores and transcripts to college
• Request financial aid apps from colleges
• Register for CSS/Financial Aid Profile if necessary (see your guidance counselor)
• Keep checklist - MEET DEADLINES!
• Prepare for Standardized Tests
• Begin applying for colleges

January

• Send mid-year grade reports, if necessary
• Rank schools where you've applied for preference
• Get all financial documents in order
• Attend local financial aid information night, if available

February/March

• Keep grades up - it matters!

April

• Visit schools where accepted, if needed
• Make final decision - mail deposit to ONE school
• Notify, in writing, all schools of your choice
• If wait listed, contact admissions office if still interested
• Contact financial aid office if you have any special financial aid circumstances
• Make sure you meet all financial aid requirements
• Notify colleges of any private scholarship awards

May/June

• Request final transcript to be sent to college
• Follow procedure for college housing and orientation
• Analyze projected first year college budget
• Check banking options in college town

           
Financing Your College Education
The bottom line is . . . it’s never too early to start planning and saving!  College costs have traditionally outpaced inflation. Tax laws also change rapidly, and you should double check all the information you gather, including this information, with an accountant for accuracy.

Every state offers a 529 education savings plan.  These are very popular, and the accounts are regulated by individual states, and the investments are managed similar to a mutual fund.  Gains are typically sheltered from taxes, but you need to check with your state to determine exactly what their regulations are. 

Individual Roth IRA and 401K retirement accounts are also often used to finance college educations. The invested funds can be taken out as a loan to yourself to pay off college bills. Then you pay back, with interest, the money that you took out as a loan.  This money goes into your own account.  In effect, you become your own banker and pay yourself interest - but keep in mind you are putting after tax dollars back into your pre-tax account.

The day will soon come when you need to start paying the bill. There are several types of aid available to the college student.  The first one each student should look into is merit-based aid.  If offered or provided, it is from the college, and it is often awarded using the results from standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT, along with other factors.  Generally, schools will offer this type of award to their top students upon their acceptance into the college. 

Grants and scholarships offer the next opportunity for aid.   Generally grants and scholarships are not paid back and are given by assorted organizations. Scholarships are awarded for a multitude of reasons that can include, but are not limited to: ethnicity, employee benefits, special interests, and essay competitions. There are web sites specifically designated for this type of search. FastWeb.com and ScholarshipExperts.com are two popular sites to explore.  Be wary of “Scholarship Lotteries.”  Scholarship Lotteries are those scholarships which require an entry fee.  For example, the scholarship provider requires a $15 entry fee. The provider will collect the money from all the participants and then choose a few winners to disperse that same money back out. Over all, it is a net loss in the money available for financing education because some of the monies go to overhead costs for the program. Also, we generally discourage students and families from paying anyone to do scholarship searches for them. There are many free ways to find scholarships, and it can be difficult to tell good search programs from scams.

After you consider any savings, scholarships, and merit-based aid, there may still be a gap between the cost of the college and what you personally have available. This is where need-based aid and student loans can help.  Need is generally determined using one of two tools: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or College Scholarship Search PROFILE® administered by the College Board. FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for federally-funded aid and the PROFILE is generally used to disperse private funds. They both capture your family’s financial picture, much the same as a snapshot would capture a moment in time.  The previous year’s taxes are used to get a picture of where you are financially. Income, savings, and investments are analyzed against the size of your family, and the number of family members currently in college. The final result will be your EFC - Expected Family Contribution. This EFC is a combination of available money from income & assets, for both the parents and the student, which should be used for educational expenses. This will be a key dollar value the school will use in determining if you qualify for need-based financial aid.

Then there will be college employment options such as federal work-study or other employment opportunities on campus. This will require the student to put in about 10 to 12 hours of labor per week, doing things like washing dishes in the kitchen, vacuuming common areas, working in the library, or various maintenance jobs such as mowing the grass. Such work is usually optional, but it can be a great help toward meeting college expenses.

Often schools will expect the family (parent or student) to take a loan as the next step in filling the need gap. There are many loan programs available in the private sector, while others are in the public sector and federally funded. Check with your college to see if it accepts federal funding.

A sample financial aid package could look like this:

Many books are available that can guide you through the details. The Princeton Review’s, Paying for College Without Going Broke has been popular for years and is updated annually.

Other books:
•How to Go to College Almost for Free: The Secrets of Winning Scholarship Money - Ben Kaplan, Benjamin R. Kaplan
•Sallie Mae How to Pay for College: A Practical Guide for Families - Gen Tanabe, Kelly Y. Tanabe
•America's Best Value Colleges, 2006 Edition - Eric Owens, Tom Meltzer, Staff of Princeton Review
•10 Things You Gotta Know about Paying for College (SparkNotes) - SparkNotes Editors, SparkNotes Staff

Web resources:
www.CollegeBoard.com
www.Collegenet.com
www.College-Scholarships.com
www.FAFSA.ed.gov
www.FastWeb.org
www.Petersons.com
www.ScholarshipExperts.com
www.Scholarship-Page.com
www.Teri.org