FAFSA and You | 02.12.10
To open, I’d like to ask a simple question: Have you filed your FAFSA yet? If no, you should know that the FAFSA is one of the most valuable financial aid tools in a student’s arsenal (besides scholarships and grants, which are the best) because it shows the government and your school that you need money for college.
In the eyes of your future school, neglecting to file a FAFSA is equivalent to leaving a gigantic tip on on a small meal – you only do it because you don’t care, or money is no object. Depending on your level of need, there is potential to get a significant portion of your cost of attendance financed at attractive interest rates, and/or qualify for a Pell Grant, which you do not need to pay back. Also, the FAFSA applies to both undergraduate AND graduate students.
So why the urgency? “I read on the Government website that my FAFSA isn’t actually due until June 30, right?” — Technically yes, but the real answer is no. In the case of colleges and universities, the financial aid department of your school will actually set a separate financial aid deadline in order to give themselves enough time to put together everyone’s aid packages.
The bottom line: The longer you wait to file your FAFSA, the less chance you have of receiving an excellent financial aid package from your school. Also, be on the lookout for a separate school-only financial aid form – sometimes they require more than just the FAFSA to evaluate your need; you can contact your financial aid office to ask if there are more forms involved.
One last thing! Don’t forget to send your FAFSA to all the schools you applied to. When you are completing the application, there will be an option toward the end to add the receiving schools by school code⦠just make sure you get them all in there and you will be A-OK paperwork-wise when your school begins to review financial need.
ScholarshipPoints Redemption Code: FAFSA2K10
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Which fafsa wasnt soo strict on who is eligible to recieve aid. My dad pays for me and my sister who is also in college out of pocket and he gets NO HELP.
I applied 4 weeks ago but unfortunately it does not help. I am always short for assistance.
I am not sure how much money I will need for law school but I hope I have enough and to cover living expenses.
At times it's still very confusing and sometimes a hassle depending if I got all the information I need to fill it out, however, FAFSA has been a life saver.
Still working on filling out my fasfa
FAFSA is very helpful
FAFSA could be a bit stressful. But it helps out, A LOT.
fafsa is the best thing u can do!!!
been there done that
Fafsa is a necessity, just give it a trial and zap…… It worked for me, I believe it will work for you too.
Filled out the Fafsa and I'm very thankful for the money I'm eligible to receive!
FAFSA is truly helpful. It doesn't hurt to apply!
FAFSA was extremly helpful and I was very happy that I applied. The only thing was now I wish I wouldve signed up for so many classes.
The FAFSA site is finally getting a lot smoother to use & I did complete my app Fri! I hope I get approved to attend a fla school to further my Education This summer in 2010+
I completed the FAFSA in January. Still waiting to hear from my schools of choice, however, I don't expect to receive anything, my EFC is high.
It's very simple,and its true,the sooner you get it in and complete all the steps your school requires, the higher up on the list your name will be when it comes to handing out the award packages,first come first serve!!!
Yay! I did it already!
But I didn't know that the FAFSA
gives money to both undergraduates and graduates?!
Does that mean I can apply again?
This gives very easy steps in order to fill out the FAFSA.
Thanks!
Absolutely, the FAFSA is needed for federal aid for graduate students too.
hey is the scholarship point thingy true. seriously because they are saying log in, do some survey and you will earn points.
I didn't receive any money from FAFSA unfortunately, but I'm sure it helps many people.
This is done and submitted to my school selections.
already filed!woot!
I do it
It's very easy to do
filed FAFSA!
DONEEE