YOUTH SERVICES · COLLEGE & MONEY
Understand the process before you share information.
Use official aid sources and school financial-aid offices to prepare before you act or provide sensitive information.
GMA does not determine aid or scholarship eligibility, complete FAFSA, submit applications, recommend loans, or promise an award or outcome.
College & money board
Plan early → FAFSA → compare → confirm.
Know the deadline category
Identify school, state, and official application timelines to verify.
Use the free FAFSA
Complete official forms with your family; do not pay someone to submit FAFSA.
Read the aid offer
Separate grants, scholarships, work-study, loans, and expected costs.
Ask the school
Use the college financial-aid office to confirm current terms and questions.
Know the words
Scholarship: aid from a program or organization.
Grant: aid that may have eligibility rules.
Work-study: a federal aid program with distinct terms.
Loan: money that generally must be repaid.
Protect your information
Do not share an FSA ID, Social Security number, bank details, full financial records, or a payment for “guaranteed” scholarship or aid help. Verify directly with the source.
Read FTC scam warnings →About GMA Scholarships
GMA scholarship information is published separately. Use only a current, visibly verified GMA scholarship-cycle announcement for dates, eligibility, awards, or application instructions.
