FAQ
What is ACCESS’s mission?
ACCESS works to ensure that all young people in Boston have the information and financial resources necessary to achieve their dream of a higher education.
Who does ACCESS serve?
ACCESS serves students from every public high school and neighborhood in Boston. The majority of students served are the first in their families to attend college, many speak English as their second language and almost all are from low or moderate-income families.
What services do ACCESS financial aid advisors provide?
ACCESS advisors offer financial aid workshops for students and parents, assistance identifying and applying for private scholarships, assistance filling out financial aid forms, and advice on reviewing Student Aid Reports and comparing financial aid awards.
Does ACCESS charge for its services?
ACCESS services are provided completely free of charge.
Does ACCESS help students apply to college?
ACCESS focuses its efforts on the financial aid process, not the college application process. ACCESS advisors work in collaboration with high schools and community organizations to ensure that Boston students not only are accepted into college but can afford to attend.
What is the ACCESS Last Dollar Scholarship?
A scholarship for Boston Public Schools students who have completed the financial aid process with their ACCESS advisor, but find that their financial aid award does not entirely cover their need.
When was ACCESS founded?
ACCESS was founded in 1985 to ensure that financial constraints would no longer be a barrier to higher education for Boston Public School graduates. ACCESS operations are funded, in part, through an endowment established by the original group of founders and added to by corporations, foundations, and individuals in subsequent years. The endowment now stands at more than $13 million. Leading original contributors include: New England Mutual Life, The Boston Foundation, The Massachusetts Higher Education Assistance Corporation.
What is ACCESS’s view of student loans?
Loans are often a necessary component of financing a college education. Students should be aware that loans vary greatly in terms of loan amount available, loan requirements or criteria, interest rate, and repayment options. We advise that students take advantage of all federal loan programs, including the Perkins Loan, Subsidized Stafford Loan, and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans before turning to private lenders.
How can ACCESS help students who are undocumented immigrants?
ACCESS advisors have experience working with undocumented students, and would be happy to speak with you about your individual situation. We can also provide information about legal services and advocacy organizations that may be able to help with documentation. Be aware that you do not have to complete a FAFSA if you do not feel comfortable doing so. For students obtaining residency within the year, we recommend filling out the paper FAFSA and leave residency information out; such students will have to provide proof of residency or pending residency to the college where they will be enrolled.
Can ACCESS help me if I attend a suburban high school through the Metco Program?
ACCESS financial aid advising services are available to all Boston students. While those services are primarily provided through regular office hours at all Boston Public High Schools, advising sessions at the ACCESS downtown office are available by appointment. To set up an appointment, call 617-778-7195.
If I graduated from a Boston Public High School and took some time off before applying to college, what services can ACCESS provide me?
ACCESS would be pleased to provide you with financial aid advising, which includes assistance with the federal financial aid process and applying for scholarships, to help ensure you overcome any financial barriers standing in the way of achieving a higher education. ACCESS can only offer Last Dollar Scholarships to Boston Public Schools students who apply during their senior year of high school.
If I run a nonprofit organization that works with students, what can ACCESS offer my organization?
ACCESS can provide financial aid workshops tailored to the needs of the students you serve, as well as individual assistance with filling out all financial aid forms, including the FAFSA and CSS/Profile and assistance identifying and applying for private scholarships.
Learn more about Community Partnerships or contact ACCESS at 617-778-7195 for further information.
