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Hey
Seniors: Thanks Jessie J. Your song is fun. But… It’s FAFSA Time (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)! This form is available on-line www.fafsa.gov. You and your parent will answer
questions about your income during the previous year, how many people live in
your household and your assets. This
form is required to receive need-based aid from the college. After you submit this form, FAFSA will
contact you with your EFC (estimated family contribution). Whatever is left over is your “need.” The school then puts an aid package together
that may include grants, loans, and campus job opportunities.
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Mrs.
Vega-Rodriguez, our FAFSA guru, alerted the counselors that some schools have
application deadlines as early as February to get aid for the 2013-14 academic
year. Some schools have rolling
deadlines where aid is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Check out Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of the FinAid.org website.
If you need
help with the FAFSA form, Glenbard North will have a FAFSA Completion Workshop on Saturday, February 2 at 10:30 am. Another session will take place Saturday,
February 9, at Glenbard East at 10:30 am.
There will be sessions in English and Spanish.
Mr.
Kantrowitz warns prospective students about borrowing an amount greater than
what you expect to take home your first year on the job. You can check the Bureau of Labor Statistics
website for median salaries of your future career. You can also check on the Naviance careers tab under wages.
Exhaust any federal loans first - they are a better deal.
Don’t rule
out private schools because they can sometimes be more affordable with the
financial aid packet they offer you.
It’s OK to start calling the financial aid office at the colleges you
are considering with your questions and about scholarships they might offer. Also consider two years of COD or another
community college where tuition is very reasonable and you can complete your
general requirements, then transfer to a four-year school.
Naviance has an extensive list of
scholarships that you can peruse. You
may need to fill out a green transcript request form to give to your counselor
if they need to send a transcript. Check
Fastweb.com also and don’t forget about the Local Scholarship Form available now in
guidance and online.
TTYL,
Cha-ching,
Cha-ching, Cha-ching
GW
College Coach
