Salah Assana

Salah Assana

92 Posts

I’m a first-generation college student and the creator of The College Grind, dedicated to helping peers navigate higher education with practical advice and honest encouragement.

What is the Pell Grant? Who qualifies and how to get it

What is the Pell Grant? Who qualifies and how to get it

How the Pell Grant works, the eligibility rules, and the steps to receive it through the FAFSA.
How is financial aid is calculated? What colleges really look at

How is financial aid is calculated? What colleges really look at

Understand the key inputs behind financial aid calculations so you can plan with realistic numbers.
What is the CSS profile? The financial aid form you might not expect

What is the CSS profile? The financial aid form you might not expect

The CSS Profile is a lesser‑known financial aid form used by many private colleges.
How to fill out the FAFSA. A step-by-step guide for first-time applicants

How to fill out the FAFSA. A step-by-step guide for first-time applicants

Clear guidance on deadlines, documents, FSA IDs, and common mistakes so you can confidently apply for college aid.
A complete guide to funding your education. Grants, savings, loans, and scholarships explained

A complete guide to funding your education. Grants, savings, loans, and scholarships explained

Understand the full college funding picture, from FAFSA and grants to savings, work, loans, and scholarships.
What is an honors college? Understanding the "college within a college" model

What is an honors college? Understanding the "college within a college" model

The honors college model creates a small, high-resource academic community within the scale of a large research university.
What is the Ivy League? Probably not what you think

What is the Ivy League? Probably not what you think

Learn what the Ivy League really means, where the term comes from, and why it has little to do with academic rankings.