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 aid awards 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: #1 #4 PAYING FOR COLLEGEAppeal your financial aid offer. Research your colleges payment plan. If your financial aid offer falls short or your financial situationMany colleges allow you to pay tuition in installments.has changed, contact a financial aid officer at the college. Explain your situation and ask for a review of your financial aid package in an email to the financial aid counselor. Many schools provide#5an 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 office 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 passed. See p. 50 and p. 61 for help finding scholarships. #6Get 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 forschool work.two years before transferring to a four-year college to complete your degree.This is considered a smart fiscal strategy by many experts because #7it 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 and board, 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 can control your other costs. Look for places to cut back, such as eatingin restaurants, entertainment, and cell phone usage. Then create a reasonable budget and stick to it.Temple University'