Need help writing a statement of need for financial aid

What they probably/usually need to know from a statement of need is: a) That you are not ignoring other sources of help - so you need to say clearly that you are self-supporting and don't have access to family funding. b) That you are paying for as much as you can - something like "My education is a priority for me, and I have worked full-time while saving to pay for it." c) If you fall into a group for which they may have money set aside - if you are from a disadvantaged family, are the first in your family to go to college, or are a member of an ethnic group that's underrepresented at their school, they need to know this. That's not to say you should be overbearing. A statement like "Because there are few opportunities for employment on the Apache reservation where I grew up, my family has always faced financial challenges," will give them enough information to ask further Qs if they need to. Most important: CONTACT THE SCHOOL'S FA OFFICE - they may be looking for specific statements or info, and you won't know what those are unless you ask!

Most schools have financial aid counselors who can walk you through the process. I would call the financial aid department and see how they can help you.

Thank you Scott, I appreciate the contact. By the way, your blog has become one of my favourite daily reads. Caddis, I'm not sure if there is a financial aid department - it's an extremely small school, more like an atelier-with-university-credit. However, that shouldn't preclude me from contacting them and asking a few questions, I guess. I have to admit, I'm nervous and unfamiliar with the process, and it's causing a little hesitation. And some of my previous questions (prior to getting accepted) were left unanswered by the contacts I had there. I'm 25, I've never been to college, and I'm financing this on my own. I'm thrilled at the chance, and afraid I'll screw it up through ignorance of the process. So thanks for your help!

I know that http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/index.htm (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) works for art school, as my partner is at RISD and getting some aid from that program. I'm not sure if the http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/faq003.htm cover your specific case, but it's worth a look.

Also, if you are male and haven't registered for the draft, point this out also, because you will be ineligible for federal funding. If this is the case, don't worry- you can get funding elsewhere.