Financial Aid for Juniors Amy Malasky Financial Aid Advisor Wake County Schools

Things I Can Do Now: 1. Introduce yourself to your counselor. 2. Reflect on teachers who could provide recommendations in senior year. 3. Create a college list and make visits. 4. Create an informal resume. What have you been doing outside of academics? 5. Begin the scholarship search but DON’T pay.

Plan Ahead Create a calendar of important dates: 1. Application deadlines (regular, early decision, early action) 2. Scholarship deadlines 3. FAFSA deadlines

College Matriculation First apply for admission to colleges. Apply for financial aid to help pay for college. Receive award letters from colleges. Make a decision about where to attend and let the college know. Pay a deposit and attend orientation for new students.

What is financial aid? Money set aside to help students pay for college

Types of Financial Aid Gift Aid Self-help Aid Scholarships Grants Loans -Subsidized -Unsubsidized Work Study

How do I apply for financial aid? Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) www.fafsa.gov * In some cases the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE® may also be required.

What happens after I submit the FAFSA? Receive your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Receive a Student Aid Report from Department of Education. Make any necessary corrections to FAFSA and resubmit. Colleges receive the information and create award letters College #1 College #2 Cost of Attendance$20,000 $4,000 EFC  -$2,500 - $2,500 Financial Need $17,500 $1,500

When can I complete the FAFSA? - Anytime after October 1, 2016 - 2015 income taxes used to complete the FAFSA Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to assist you. Repeat each year. Submit the FAFSA before colleges’ priority deadlines.

Where can I go for help? FAQs and Live chat available at www.fafsa.gov Click the answer box on the FAFSA document for helpful hints. Make an appointment with your financial aid advisor. Contact your college’s financial aid department.