Dear High School Seniors, File Your FAFSAS ASAPTUALLY!

Hey Hey.. I know it's been a while and things are looking different.  I've been making some changes and gearing up for relaunch of the site and things are not quite ready but I had to break my silence for this very important announcement. * Clears throat*  File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid as soon as you can.  Federal monies are distributed on a first come, first serve basis.  In putting off the FAFSA you could literally be putting your grants/scholarships and subsidized loans into someone else's pocket.  Please.. Don't miss this bus children. Although deadlines are much much later, remember that financial aid is usually given on a first come first serve basis.  Freshmen are already at the bottom of the barrel.  It is suggested that most students file their FAFSA by January 15th.  

I know you're probably thinking.. " My parents have not filed their taxes." This is the case for most Americans. File your FAFSA anyway and do it today! While you're waiting for your parents to file their income taxes you can provide estimated information on your taxes.  Base these estimations on the previous years taxes.   Once your parents have properly filed this year's tax forms  you can go back into the system and provide  the official accurate information.  

The most efficient way to file your FAFSA is online, it is much faster and easier than completing and mailing the paper aplication.  The instructions for filing online are quite clear and easy to follow. Click here for the online FAFSA application.  If you need assistance there are tons of resources available online and through the guidance office at your high school. You could even contact the Finacial Aid office of a school that you are applying to for assistance. You could always send me an email as well :-) 

Also please remember that there are several FAFSA deadlines that you need to be aware of as well.  The FAFSA is a universal financial need assessment tool that all federal & state government agencies, colleges and universities use to assess your financial need. Consequentially there are federal, state and instituional deadlines that students must adhere to in order to receive aid monies.  You can read more about these deadline by clicking here to read that post. 

Also, remember indicate that you are interested in all forms of student aid especially for federal work study and for student loans.  Many students feel like they only want scholarships but these are valuable resources as well. Additionally, the FAFSA should not be something that you fill out on your own.  It requires the financial information of all the members of your family so if at all possible, it's best that you complete the FAFSA as a family.  I will do another post very soon that will include more tips for filing your FAFSA please be sure to check back in the coming weeks for that information. 

If you have any questions in completing your FAFSA and/or navigating this process, feel free to leave a comment or send me an email.  I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you all for your patience and continued support.  Please check back in.. there is so much more to come.