Yes, FAFSA! [Free Application for Federal Student Aid] Required by every college, not only for student loans, Work-Study, and federal grants, but, in many instances, for institutional aid, including the colleges' own scholarships and merit awards!
FAFSA FACTUAL
Who must submit FAFSA? YOU must submit FAFSA!
Incoming college freshmen/Current high school seniors. Complete and submit your first FAFSA for the 2016-17 school year on or after January 1, 2016*.
Those already in college. Graduate students. Complete and submit your FAFSA Renewal for the 2016-17 school year on or after January 1, 2016*.
*The rules on FAFSA submission are changing in 2016. READ, FAFSA Is Changing: Count Your College Change
Can I File The FAFSA BEFORE January 1*? Which part of on or after January 1 did you not understand? 1/2 LOL
If there is a tuition bill on the horizon, you MUST submit FAFSA.
FAFSA Deadlines. FAFSA should be submitted early -- meaning in January. Do NOT wait until you file your 2015 tax return. [A "corrected" FAFSA will be submitted after tax returns are filed.] Financial aid is often doled out on a first-come/first served basis. When the money is gone, it's gone. Be aware, as well, of both State and college-specific filing deadlines.
Do I Submit FAFSA Every Year? Absolutely! If you do not submit FAFSA, you risk leaving money -- very often, FREE money -- on the table.
NEW FOR 2016 - The FSA-ID. READ, Pins And Needles; FAFSA, No PINs All students -- new and returning -- MUST have an FSA-ID.[Two, actually. One for the student. One for a custodial parent.]
It's Sooooo Complicated. Who Can Help Us? Umm, Helloooooo.That's what we're here for. From choosing a college to paying for college, your "go-to" guy (a/k/a The College Whisperer™) is here to help! Call (516-345-8766), Email (info@CollegeConnect.info), Text, or send a Smoke Signal (Smoke Signal rates may apply).
More Info, Please! Check out The FREE FAFSA Guide. [It was for last year's FAFSA, which is probably why its free. :-)] Download it. Read it. Then, plan ahead so you will be ready to submit your FAFSA in January.
What About The CSS Profile? Yes, if the colleges you have applied to require the Profile, submit it. [For students already in college, check to see if your school requires a new Profile each year. If so, submit it.] Be very careful with deadlines for the Profile. They crop up very early, particularly for those who apply Early Decision/Early Action.
Outside Scholarships? Yup, that's where the real FREE money is hidden, just waiting for you to get your sticky little fingers on it! Know where to find scholarships, which ones to apply to, and the best practices for actually getting your hands on some of that free money. Go beyond what is offered in your financial aid package in your quest for money to pay for college.
Whether you are still in high school or already in college, if you are not searching and applying for scholarships, you are losing the opportunity to get FREE MONEY!
Did Someone Say Something About $500? Sure did! Simply Refer A Student to us for college planning/counseling (or any part thereof), and for each referral, earn an entry into a random drawing (on or about December 30) for $500 in cold, hard cash (no FAFSA required for this one).
Confused? Overwhelmed? Still Grappling With The Common App? [Watch those Deadlines!] For goodness sake, CONTACT US!!! 516-345-8766. Or text, email, send a smoke signal. [For this month only, NO smoke signal rates will apply!]
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The College Whisperer™ is the Trademark of COLLEGE CONNECTION, Official Sponsor of College Admission Success™. The road to college begins at COLLEGE CONNECTION! Whether you are applying to college, planning for college, paying for college or simply thinking about college, COLLEGE CONNECTION can help! Call TODAY for a FREE telephone consultation. 516-345-8766
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Answering your questions about college planning, the application process, and college life while unlocking the secrets to college admission success
