1. HCS District College Counselors

2. HCS District College Counselors
Leigh Ann Brown
Huntsville and Jemison
Sheri Crigger
Grissom and Lee
Nancy Wolfe
Columbia and New Century

3. 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

4. “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

5. “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

6. 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

7. Important Websites
site about student aid used to apply for Federal Student Aid

8. Did you know?
It takes approximately minutes to complete the FAFSA? (If you are prepared!)

9. 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
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

10. 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

11. 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
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

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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

16. What happens after I apply?
Processing takes 3-5 days
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

17. 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

18. 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

19. Private Colleges and the CSS/Profile
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

20. 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

21. 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)

22. HCS District College Counselors
Leigh Ann Brown
Huntsville and Jemison
Sheri Crigger
Grissom and Lee
Nancy Wolfe
Columbia and New Century