January 10, 2024  5:30-8:00 pm   Come to the high school to complete the FAFSA

 January 11, 2024 all-day               Come to the high school to complete the FAFSA   

With the costs of completing post-secondary education continuously increasing, most students will need to consider seeking scholarships or some other form of financial aid, and choices made on first entering high school can affect a student's likelihood of gaining needed assistance. To have the highest probability for gaining the financial assistance that may be needed, you should:

• Select and pursue a rigorous program of courses that will prepare you well for seeking a degree area of interest to you.
• Perform community service.
• Make good grades and maintain good attendance.
• Participate and hold leadership positions in extracurricular, athletic, and volunteer activities.
• Score well on the appropriate college entrance exams.
• And did we mention performing community service?

You should begin thinking about meeting scholarship requirements beginning your freshman year!

Applying for Financial Aid

Applying for financial aid requires some work on your part. You won't get any money unless you ask for it, and asking for the money means completing some forms.

To obtain financial aid, there are three very important things to understand:

1. You only have to complete one form to start the financial aid process.
2. The financial aid office at the college you plan to attend will be in charge of awarding you financial aid.
3. Deadlines matter. The earlier you submit your forms, the more likely you are to get a good financial aid package.

What Is FAFSA?
FAFSA stands for “Free Application for Federal Student Aid.” As the name indicates, the application is free and there is no charge for the processing of your application. No matter how many schools you are applying to, you only need to fill out one FAFSA application. Once your application is processed by the federal processor, you and the schools you have selected will be notified of the results and the school can then start the process of determining the funding for which you are eligible.

Where Can You Find the FAFSA?
Complete the FAFSA application electronically; you can obtain the Web version at FAFSA website. You will need to apply for a PIN number before you can complete the FAFSA application. To apply for a FSA ID number, go to https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/filling-out/fsaid#fsaid-intro and request an ID both for yourself and for one of your parents.

When Should You Complete the FAFSA?

The FAFSA should be completed and processed as soon as possible after January 1 for students expecting to enroll in college in the following fall.

How Should You Complete the FAFSA?

To complete the form, you and your parents will need to share information on your financial condition (income, assets, savings, etc.). This is the same information you would be required to share with a bank or other lender when requesting a loan for a new car or home, or that you are required to put on your tax return each year.

What's Next?

Once you have completed the FAFSA, your next step is to contact the financial aid office to determine if there is any other information you need to provide. Some colleges will require that you complete additional forms. Remember, you must have been admitted to the college before you will be considered for financial aid awards, so be certain to send in your application for admission.

*And, remember, financial aid offices are extremely busy places. The sooner you can complete the information required for financial aid, the better chance you will have of receiving aid.*

Federal Student Financial Aid

The following programs are supported by the Federal Government and are available at almost any accredited college or university. THEY ARE CONTROLLED BY THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICER at the college, and you should apply directly to that office. Eligibility for Federal Student Financial Assistance Programs is based on financial need (except for unsubsidized Stafford and PLUS loans).

How to apply:

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Check the federal, state, and school deadlines! It is advisable to apply as early as possible as some programs have limited funds. Check with the financial aid office to find out these deadlines. The FAFSA is available: online at Link to FAFSA website; in high school guidance office; college financial aid office; local public library; or from the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243.
2. You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) one to four weeks after you submit your FAFSA. The SAR confirms the information reported on your FAFSA and will tell you your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is an index of need that your financial aid administrator will use to determine the amount of federal student aid for which you qualify.
3. Talk with the financial aid administrator at the school which you are interested in attending. They will review your SAR and prepare a letter outlining the amount of aid that their school will offer you.
 

Your Financial Aid Application

FAFSA or TASFA? Which financial aid application should you use?

**See Mrs. Taylor and she can help you with the application process. 

College for Texans
Everything a Texan needs to know about preparing for, applying for and paying for college or technical school.
http://www.collegefortexans.com/

Scholarships
Scholarships provide financial aid that does not have to be repaid. Some scholarships require the student to maintain a certain grade point average (GPA) or take certain courses. Scholarships for early graduation, nursing or medical programs, and academic merit.

Exemptions
Exemptions are a type of financial assistance allowing some Texas residents to attend a public college or university in Texas without paying tuition, and in some cases, tuition and fees. Programs for students who are adopted and previously in foster care, deaf, blind, valedictorians, and graduate early. Also for children of deceased public servants, veterans, peace officers, POWS, MIAS, and for families receiving TANF.