FAFSA
What is FAFSA? It stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and it is a means to help support your financial stability heading into college.
You might be asking yourself, why would I want to use FAFSA? To put into simple terms it gives you accessibility to thousands of dollars for college and scholarships. In fact, In 2022 students left an estimated 3.6 billion in Pell Grants by not submitting the FAFSA, and to make it even better it’s completely free!
As for how you can apply for FAFSA, you must submit an application between Oct. 1, 2022, 11:59 p.m Central time (CT) June 30, 2024, Any update must be submitted 11:59 p.m Central time (CT) Sept. 14, 2024, and some schools have separate deadlines.
And you may think it’s more difficult than it really is, you just simply…
Set up FSA ID, Add personal information and schools you want to the FAFSA information to be sent, enter your financial information, and finally submit the FAFSA.
Tips
- Apply Early
- Be prepared and have all the necessary documents and items
- Apply Online
- IRS Data Retrieval Online Option Only
- Don’t leave Blank Fields: Can cause miscalculations
- Don’t use Commas or decimals: Always round to nearest dollar
- Listing incorrect information
- Use Legal Names
- Correct address
- SSN
- Drivers License number
- Federal income tax paid amount
- Marital status
- Both parents (If they live together)
- Report unborn children
- Counting yourself as a student
- Listing college
- Sign and date.
- Send copy of income tax returns
- Adjusted Gross income taxes as head of household
College
Even if you don’t think you’ll be going to college it’s a good idea to prepare for it, and in order to do so we have provided some tips and resources for you to use…
Tips
- Create an Academic plan:
- Think of the classes that’ll help you graduate into a good college, and that you’ll enjoy.
- Study Habits:
- Create a system of organization
- Fully completing assignments on time
- Note taking skills (try different methods and see what works best for you)
- Manage time effectively and efficiently
- Take part in After-School activities
- Clubs
- Sports
- Start College Resume
Include:
- Clubs & Extracurricular Activities
- Volunteer and community service
- Awards and Accolades
- Jobs and Internships
- College Classes and College-prep programs
- Research career interests
- Meet with your counselor
- Take the PSAT and SAT
- Research potential colleges you would like to attend
- FAFSA
Important Things to do:
- Write College Essay
- Fill out FAFSA application
- Ask for Letters of Recommendation
- Obtain Scholarships
- Early Action / Early Decision
- Fill out the Common Application
- Talk with Guidance Counselor
- Visit / take tours of colleges
Resources & Links
GNBVT Guidance: https://www.gnbvt.edu/parents-students/guidance/
College Board: https://www.collegeboard.org/
Finding and Applying for Scholarships: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/scholarships
Guide on Completing FAFSA: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid-basics/advice/financial-aid-checklist
Other Links and Resources: https://www.gnbvt.edu/parents-students/student-links-resources/#