HCS District College Counselors

HCS District College Counselors Leigh Ann Brown Huntsville and Jemison leighann.brown@hsv-k12.org 256-226-7637 Sheri Crigger Grissom and Lee sheri.crigger@hsv-k12.org 256-529-8842 Nancy Wolfe Columbia and New Century nancy.wolfe@hsv-k12.org 256-348-8443

Reminders www.hcscollegecounselorsinfo.weebly.com Upcoming Parent Outreach: Scholarships In Item B, if this is the first time you are taking an AP Exam, print your legal name, last name first. Otherwise, print the name you used on previous answer sheets. Below each box, fill in the oval with the corresponding letter and then check each filled-in oval to make sure it is the correct one. . . .

“There is often a significant difference between what a family feels it can contribute toward college and what the college thinks the family can afford to pay.” - Jim Montague, Guidance Counselor, in College Board’s College Counseling Sourcebook In Item B, if this is the first time you are taking an AP Exam, print your legal name, last name first. Otherwise, print the name you used on previous answer sheets. Below each box, fill in the oval with the corresponding letter and then check each filled-in oval to make sure it is the correct one. . . .

“The primary source of information about student aid opportunities and resources is the college/university to which the student is applying. The vast majority of student aid resources are going to be made available through those financial aid offices.” - Joseph Russo, Director of Financial Aid at Notre Dame In Item B, if this is the first time you are taking an AP Exam, print your legal name, last name first. Otherwise, print the name you used on previous answer sheets. Below each box, fill in the oval with the corresponding letter and then check each filled-in oval to make sure it is the correct one. . . .

Types of Financial Aid Merit-based: Need based: Scholarships Need based: Federal/State Aid Programs (Pell grant, etc.) Work-Study Program (Must Be Pell-Grant-Eligible) Loans In Item B, if this is the first time you are taking an AP Exam, print your legal name, last name first. Otherwise, print the name you used on previous answer sheets. Below each box, fill in the oval with the corresponding letter and then check each filled-in oval to make sure it is the correct one. . . .

Important Websites www.studentaid.gov-informational site about student aid www.fafsa.gov-site used to apply for Federal Student Aid

Did you know? It takes approximately 30-45 minutes to complete the FAFSA? (If you are prepared!)

Federal Financial Aid FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid *Federal aid is money from the U.S. Department of Education that helps students pay for college/career/school expenses. Available October 1, 2018 for current seniors (You will need 2017 tax return information.) Check out the FAFSA4caster for an estimate www.fafsa.gov In Item B, if this is the first time you are taking an AP Exam, print your legal name, last name first. Otherwise, print the name you used on previous answer sheets. Below each box, fill in the oval with the corresponding letter and then check each filled-in oval to make sure it is the correct one. . . .

Why do I need to complete the FAFSA? To find out about federal aid programs for which you may qualify To determine how much aid you may receive Pell Grant Max-$6095/year Federal Loan Max-$5500/year Some colleges require it of all students (at least those receiving a scholarship or some type of aid from the school) Many local and regional scholarships are open to students who qualify based on FAFSA results In Item B, if this is the first time you are taking an AP Exam, print your legal name, last name first. Otherwise, print the name you used on previous answer sheets. Below each box, fill in the oval with the corresponding letter and then check each filled-in oval to make sure it is the correct one. . . .

Get Started - Create an FSA ID You can create an FSA ID at any point prior to starting the FAFSA. Both student and parent need an FSA ID Choose your username and password carefully – you will need to utilize this information for several years. Keep this information in a safe place! For each FSA ID, you will need: Name and address Social Security Number Date of birth Email address In Item B, if this is the first time you are taking an AP Exam, print your legal name, last name first. Otherwise, print the name you used on previous answer sheets. Below each box, fill in the oval with the corresponding letter and then check each filled-in oval to make sure it is the correct one. . . .

www.fafsa.gov

FAFSA application information Marital status of parents Number of family members Household income of the parent/guardian(s) Child support paid/received Income of the student Assets (optional) Colleges you want to receive your results

Taxes and the FAFSA If you e-filed your taxes for 2017, you can link your taxes to your FAFSA by using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. This is the simplest option, and it results in fewer errors. If you do not use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, you will need a copy of your 2017 tax return.

What if my finances have changed since my 2017 taxes . . . When completing the FAFSA, there is no opportunity for explanation. If there are extenuating circumstances, submit the FAFSA first. After it has been processed, then you can talk with the Financial Aid Office at the individual college about your situation. In Item N, fill in the oval next to the season and year you expect to enter college. If you are uncertain about your college plans, fill in the Undecided oval and leave the area for year blank. . . . Complete Items O and P. . . . In Item Q, indicate the highest level of education completed by your parents or guardians by filling in the appropriate oval in each column. Fill in only one oval in each column. . . .

What happens after I apply? Processing takes 3-5 days Email will notify you that your FAFSA has been processed or if there is an error, selected for verification, etc. Log in to view the Student Aid Report (SAR) Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) Information on aid for which you qualify Colleges receive your results Each college will provide a Financial Aid Package (usually in second semester). In Item B, if this is the first time you are taking an AP Exam, print your legal name, last name first. Otherwise, print the name you used on previous answer sheets. Below each box, fill in the oval with the corresponding letter and then check each filled-in oval to make sure it is the correct one. . . .

Sample Financial Aid Package for Mary Compare Financial Aid Packages for Student Mary University A University B Cost of Attendance $4,500 $19,000 EFC (Est. Family Contribution) $2,000 Need $2,500 $17,000 Financial Aid Package Offer Pell Grant Merit Scholarship $3,000 College Foundation Grant $0 $4,000 Student Loan $5,500 Total Offer $15,000 Now turn to the front cover of your Student Pack. Print your legal name in the spaces indicated. . . . Now print the six-digit school code for the school you attend. The school code for [read your school’s name] is — — — — — —. If you do not attend [read your school’s name], enter the code for your school. If you do not know your school’s code, leave the space blank. If you are homeschooled, the code you should use is posted. . . . Print your AP number in the boxes indicated. . . . Now check the box next to each AP Exam you plan to take this year. . . .

Must reapply every year Circumstances change Grades matter! If I receive financial aid my first year, should I expect the same amount for all four years? Must reapply every year Circumstances change Grades matter! In Item B, if this is the first time you are taking an AP Exam, print your legal name, last name first. Otherwise, print the name you used on previous answer sheets. Below each box, fill in the oval with the corresponding letter and then check each filled-in oval to make sure it is the correct one. . . .

Private Colleges and the CSS/Profile www.collegeboard.org Purpose: Schools use the information to determine how they will distribute their institutional aid Requires additional information on assets, etc. $25 Fee Deadline for submission is set by the college In Item N, fill in the oval next to the season and year you expect to enter college. If you are uncertain about your college plans, fill in the Undecided oval and leave the area for year blank. . . . Complete Items O and P. . . . In Item Q, indicate the highest level of education completed by your parents or guardians by filling in the appropriate oval in each column. Fill in only one oval in each column. . . .

Assistance in the Process NACEE (North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence) Senior Counselors and District College Counselors Financial Aid Office at your college In Item N, fill in the oval next to the season and year you expect to enter college. If you are uncertain about your college plans, fill in the Undecided oval and leave the area for year blank. . . . Complete Items O and P. . . . In Item Q, indicate the highest level of education completed by your parents or guardians by filling in the appropriate oval in each column. Fill in only one oval in each column. . . .

Gather your documentation Create an FSA ID for student and parent/guardian Answer the questions in the application List schools who should receive your financial aid results Submit! Colleges set deadlines (sooner is better)

HCS District College Counselors Leigh Ann Brown Huntsville and Jemison leighann.brown@hsv-k12.org 256-226-7637 Sheri Crigger Grissom and Lee sheri.crigger@hsv-k12.org 256-529-8842 Nancy Wolfe Columbia and New Century nancy.wolfe@hsv-k12.org 256-348-8443