b'49TIPS To CloSE yoUR FINANCIAl AID GAPMany students find that their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is not realistic or that their EFC and financial aidawards do not cover their total college costs. In those cases, students can be left with an unmet need or gap to fill.Check out the following eight strategies for managing the gap: PaYIngFOrCOLLege#1 #4Appeal your financial aid oer. Research your colleges payment plan. If your financial aid oer falls short or your financial situationMany colleges allow you to pay tuition in installments.has changed, contact a financial aid ocer at the college. explainyour situation and ask for a review of your financial aid package#5in an email to the financial aid counselor. Many schools provide an appeal form. Revisit Federal Work-Study options. If you did not indicate interest in Federal Work-study on your#2 FaFsa, contact your financial aid oce to see if you are eligible.Look at your colleges website to find out what positions are open.Apply for additional scholarships and grants. application deadlines vary, so do not assume that deadlines have #6passed. see p. 50and p. 61for help finding scholarships.Get a part-time job. #3 Many students work while in college. search for employment opportunities that also will allow you to stay on top of your Consider attending a community college for school work.two years before transferring to a four-yearcollege to complete your degree.#7this is considered a smart fiscal strategy by many experts becauseit reduces the total cost of your bachelors degree by thousandsBecome a resident assistant or of dollars and can significantly lower your debt. community assistant. these jobs in college residence halls can provide free room andboard, which can save you up to 50% of your cost of attending college after freshman year. While you are saving money, you also will be developing communication and leadership skills, and building your resum. #8Reduce your expenses.While you cannot control tuition, fees, room and board, you cancontrol your other costs. Look for places to cut back, such as eatingout, entertainment, and cell phone usage. then create a reasonablebudget and stick to it. Community College of Philadelphia'