b'49Tips to Close Your Financial Aid GapMany students find that their Student Aid Index (SAI) is not realistic or that their SAI 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 seven strategies for managing the gap: Paying for College#1 #3Appeal 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 financialaid package in an email to the financial aid counselor. Many#4schools 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 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 deadlineshave passed. See pp. 51-52 for help finding scholarships. #5Get a part-time job. Many students work while in college. Search for employment opportunities that also will allow you to stay on top of your school work.#6Become a resident assistant or 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. #7Reduce your expenses. While you cannot control tuition, fees, room and board, youcan control your other costs. Look for places to cut back, suchas eating in restaurants, entertainment, and cell phone usage. Then create a reasonable budget and stick to it.Gettysburg College'