Hello Gen. You are very welcome. I'm glad that I was able to assist you. If you have any more questions, do not hesitate to comment in the forum.

Continue to "Dream Big and Reach Higher!"

— Onyx Gaston

Good morning Marshall. I am pleased to meet you. I appreciate your support for the AA DHE. If you have any issues concerning your financial aid or anything else education related, I am more than happy to assist you. Continue to stay tuned via email and social media for how you can help the AA DHE. And remember to keep dreaming big and reaching higher!

— Onyx Gaston

Good morning Queenie. I completely understand your situation. I am a first-year college student myself and know what it's like to be uncertain about your financial aid situation. That being said, I am more than happy to help you! Here is what you can do:

Work-study- An extra form of financial assistance that can help you cover additional expenses is work-study. Work-study is a form of financial aid where students work on campus and receive a hourly wage to pay for college expenses and/or accumulate extra money. After looking at UC Santa Barbara's website, there is a work-study program that you can inquire about. Anyone is allowed to apply for a work-study position as long as their FAFSA shows that they have sufficient financial need.

Scholarships- There are many scholarships that are readily available to you. They are usually available year-round and are privately funded (not government funded). They can help lessen your financial contribution and/or provide you with left over funds that you can put towards other expenses.

Paid Internships- During the summer, you can apply for paid internships. These internships provide you with work experience in your preferred field and extra funds for college.

Loans- As a last resort, you should apply for a loan. Loans can help cover the remainder of your expenses if the above options do not work out for you. The easiest loans to get are the federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Your FAFSA results will tell you if you are eligible for these funds. Also, there are private student loans (not government funded) that you can use. These are given by credit unions and banks.

I hope this information will help you prosper financially during college. I know there is a lot of uncertainty with college financial aid but continue to stay encouraged. Remember that the AADHE is here to help you. With the above financial aid resources, your financial stress will be reduced.

— Onyx Gaston

Good evening Tammy. I am glad that you are taking initiative and are ready to begin your SAT/ACT test prep. This is a step in the right direction. Here is what you need to know to prepare for the SAT and/or ACT exams:

• Practice Tests: Practice tests can help you tremendously on the SAT and/or ACT. Click Here for free practice tests.

• Study Resources: There are many free SAT/ACT prep resources available for you to use. To help you best prepare for these exams, the AADHE has put together a page on our website that lists the many SAT/ACT study resources you should take advantage of. Click Here for some helpful resources.

• Read: It has been proven that reading regularly can help you score high on the SAT. This is mainly because reading can help you process the information you are reading quicker, strengthen your reading comprehension and grow your vocabulary. I recommend that you find a book around your house or buy one and begin reading frequently. If you are unable to obtain a book, visit your nearest library and borrow a book from there. 

I hope that this information will help you prepare for the SAT and/or ACT exams. I know there is a lot of uncertainty in the world, particularly in higher education, but continue to stay encouraged and remember to dream big and reach higher. You are entitled to pursue the same opportunities as any other student. You can do this!

— Onyx Gaston