This Mind - Steps to completing your 2014-2015 FAFSA

Get free information and help from a school counselor, the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend, or the U.S. Department of Education at www.studentaid.ed.gov or through FAFSA live chat. Free help is available any time during the application process. You should never have to pay for help.

Collect the documents needed to apply, including income tax returns* and W-2 forms (and other records of income). A full list of what you need is at www.fafsa.gov. Tax return not completed at the time you apply? Estimate the tax information, apply, and correct information later.

Complete the 2014–2015 FAFSA SM between Jan. 1, 2014, and June 30, 2014 (no exceptions to either date!). BUT, apply as soon as possible after Jan. 1 to meet school and state aid deadlines Apply online at FAFSA on the Web SM (the faster and easier way) by going to www.fafsa.gov.

Within a few days, the U.S. Department of Education will send you your Student Aid Report (SAR)—the result of your FAFSA. Review your SAR and, if necessary, make changes or corrections and submit your SAR for reprocessing. Your complete, correct SAR will contain your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)—the number used to determine your federal student aid eligibility.

The college or career school that you plan to attend might request additional information from you. Be sure to respond by any deadlines, or you might not receive federal student aid.

All applicants: The college or career school will tell you how much aid you can get at that school. Contact the financial aid office if you have any questions about the aid being offered. First-time applicants: Review award letters from schools to compare amounts and types of aid being offered. 

Attention Kentucky residents

It is highly important that you complete your FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1^st.  The College Access Program and Kentucky Tuition Grant run out quickly. 

Federal Student Aid Videos

To apply for federal student aid, you need to complete the FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and easier than ever, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or career school. The FAFSA becomes available in early January each year, and there are different deadlines for different programs. Below are some videos about Federal Student Aid.  Please complete your FAFSA today!

Helpful link when filling out your FAFSA

Financial Aid Process

More helpful links about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

This worksheet is designed to help you complete your FAFSA on the web.


Remember, you do not have to file your taxes before filling out your 2012-2013 FAFSA. You may process an estimated application by selecting the "will file" option. If you are a Kentucky resident, the most important thing is to complete it as soon as possible to reserve your spot for grant funds. Then you can go back and update your info once your taxes have been filed.


We also thought that this article , 

Click of a Button: Making the FAFSA Almost Painless,

by blogger Lynn O'Shaughnessy was worth mentioning, because it provides some information on the new tools available for making the FAFSA process go a bit smoother.


Are you thinking about going back to school in 2012? Maybe just even a little bit? If so, go do it now...don't procrastinate another day. There is NO COST and you are not obligated to go to school if you do it. What if you qualify for a lot of free money to go to school?  www.fafsa.ed.gov 

Romans 11:36, “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.”

Free FAFSA Webinar

This fall, an estimated 19.7 million students are attending two and four-year colleges and universities across the United States – an increase of 4.4 million since 2000 (National Center for Education Statistics).  Although these data indicate record college enrollment, the figures could actually be even greater.  More specifically, many students across America still do not participate in the college application process, often citing a perceived inability to afford the cost of higher education. 

  In an effort to help counselors, students and families understand the educational borrowing process, this Webinar will provide an overview of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, while also highlighting application and program changes to the 2012-13 FAFSA.

Target Audience: This Webinar is intended for school counselors, college admission professionals, students, families, and any other stakeholders seeking to learn more about the process of applying for federal student aid.

Download Before:

Attendees are encouraged to download the following documents prior to the Webinar, as they will be referenced during the presentation.

• Federal Student Aid at a Glance 2012-13: This form offers a general overview about the types of federal student aid, the application process, and basic eligibility requirements
• Determining Student Dependency Status: This form asks 11 simple questions that will help applicants for federal student aid determine whether they need to provide information about their parents on the 2012-13 FAFSA.
• Frequently Asked Questions about Parents: This form provides answers to common questions about reporting parental information on the FAFSA.
• Copy of Webinar slides.

Topics Discussed:

• What is the FAFSA?
• Steps to take before applying for federal student aid
• Strategies and deadlines in the application process
• Expectations after applying for federal student aid
• Review of frequently asked questions
• Overview of program and application changes for 2012-13
• Resources for counselors, students and families

 Upon completion of this Webinar, participants will:

• Understand the nuts and bolts of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Comprehend the process by which federal student aid is awarded
• Know what to expect after applying for federal student aid
• Have access to changes and updates to the 2012-13 FAFSA

Presenters
Cindy Forbes Cameron, Federal Student Aid, United States Department of Education
Shamarli Kollock, Federal Student Aid, United States Department of Education

First:
Please test your browser now, to make sure that your computer is ready and able to access the Webcast:

Click Here to Test

Second:
This Webinar was recorded. To access the recording shortly after the live Webinar airs use this link:
 http://vmx.highroadsolution.com/se/Meetings/Playback.aspx?meeting.id=413307 

Finally if you need help:
For technical questions email support@HighRoadSolution.com. For questions about the Webinar, email info@nacacnet.org or call 703-299-6807. 

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