-- Posted by ragemore at 3:39 pm on Mar. 15, 2008 So I got the statement for my Financial Aid Award today...well actually I think it was like from 10 days ago but I just saw it today. I'm going to UCR and the part where it determines cost of  attendance is around $25 thousand and the determination of financial need is the same number. So the summary for the total awards I'm getting is three dollars less than the cost. But I'm just confused about how it works. Here are the awards it states: FEDERAL PELL GRANT    ACG GRANT (ESTIMATED)  FEDERAL WORK STUDY  CAL GRANT B STIPEND (ESTIMATED)  UCR GRANT  FEDERAL DIRECT STAFFORD LOAN So when I filled out the FAFSA, did I automatically apply for all of those, or will I have to fill out more forms to accept them? I'm just like confused about how it is going to work, and I don't want to get overexcited about getting all this aid if it's not really going to happen. So I also want to know if this original statement is usually what is given at the end...because on top it says it's subject to change. So yeah any information or answers would be amazing. Thanks in advance. -- Posted by I Luv NERD at 8:35 pm on Mar. 15, 2008 Yeah, when you did the FAFSA you can choose to apply for federal work study but the others are automatic. At least at my school you can decide which awards you want to accept via your school account. Congrats on getting so much money! -- Posted by Mulenmar at 6:12 am on Mar. 17, 2008 Wow. I really should check that stuff out. I'm betting too much on my Kentucky Governor's Scholar application going through, when it's only for instate schools! So, where ya gonna get the $3? hehehehe -- Posted by ragemore at 4:12 pm on Mar. 17, 2008 Quote: from Mulenmar at 6:12 am on Mar. 17, 2008 Wow.   I really should check that stuff out. I'm betting too much on my Kentucky Governor's Scholar application going through, when it's only for instate schools!   So, where ya gonna get the $3? hehehehe Crossing my fingers for some scholarships. -- Posted by ScholarshipExpert at 7:23 am on Mar. 20, 2008 Congratulations on such a well-rounded aid package! The grants and stipends are free money that won't have to be paid back. They say "subject to change" because it depends upon your status (part-time, full-time), so if that changes, so will your money amounts. The work study program will actually require you to do some work on or off campus through their program, and the Stafford Loan will have to be paid back once you leave college for longer than 6 months or graduate. You may also have to pay back some of the grant money if something happens and you drop a class. It really depends on whether it affects your full-time status. You definitely need to speak with your FA department before accepting any of the awards to determine which are right for you and your needs. Most schools now put these awards online and you can accept, decline or take a smaller amount all online once you have registered at the school. If you still need money, try www.scholarshipexperts.com