1. Apply for admission to college, but do not wait to be accepted to apply for Financial Aid.
2. Check with the colleges to determine which forms you should complete.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) should be completed by everyone.CSS/PROFILE (College Scholarship Service Financial Aid Form) should be completed for those colleges who request it. www.collegeboard.com Usually only private schools.Any other institutional form requested by the college.
3. All aid applicants should complete the FAFSA. – 1 form per student/per year
Some should complete both the FAFSA and PROFILE.
4. Read the directions carefully. Accuracy and clarity are of great importance.
The US Dept of Education strongly recommends that the FAFSA be done on line at
www.fafsa.ed.gov It is processed much faster and the on-line help options make it easier and more accurate.
Go to the section: Before Beginning a FAFSA
1. Print out the 2007-2008 FAFSA on the Web Worksheet
2. Apply for a PIN now for both student and parent.
After January 1st - Go to: Filling Out a FAFSA
1.Submit on-line as soon as possible after January 1st. Deadline is February 15th for many colleges.
2. Do not wait for final income figures. Use estimated figures if necessary to ensure on-time application status.
3. The FAFSA does not provide any space to explain extenuating circumstances. If it is important - write to the Financial Aid office at your colleges. If your financial situation changes, immediately inform (in writing) the college Financial Aid Office.
4. SAR (Student Aid Report) – verifies the information you provided and gives your EFC (estimated family contribution)
Colleges you listed on the FAFSA will receive your financial information. Be sure to save this form for your records.
The Financial Aid office at each college will send you an award letter that will indicate the cost of attendance, type and amount of Financial Aid (grants, scholarships, work study or loans) and your family contribution. Call the College Financial Aid office if you have any questions.
The College Financial Aid office may request verification of income (copies of tax returns) or other information. Quickly respond to all requests for information or you may jeopardize your award.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
1. Forgetting to sign the form. Both student and parent(s) must sign. *If you file on-line, you must both have a PIN number.
2. For income reporting, parents often use the W-2 form. They should take the Adjusted Gross Income from their last 1040 Federal tax form.
3. When reporting taxes paid, parents often use the taxes withheld on their W-2 form. They should list the actual taxes paid as shown on their 1040.
4. Not reporting all required sources of untaxed income. Be sure to include social security, child support, AFDC, etc.
5. Divorced parents sometimes include their ex-spouse’s income. They should list only their own income and that of their current spouse.
FREE HELP TO COMPETE THE FORM
Federal Student Aid Info Center 1-800-4-FEDAID (1-800-433-3243)
7 days a week, 8 am to midnight
Connecticut Student Loan Foundation Toll Free 1-866-752-6443 or e-mail
Call the Financial Aid Office at the college you are applying to.
Go to the NFA Career Center for additional handouts on Financial Aid
ON THE INTERNET
ONE-STOP SITE FOR ALL FINANCIAL AID QUESTIONS www.studentaid.ed.gov
Can be used for corrections even if you apply on paper.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Norwich Free Academy awards numerous scholarships to graduating seniors. Many stipulate financial need as a criterion. To be considered for any scholarship, the student must bring a copy of their SAR and information on the amount of any other grants or scholarships received from their college to their guidance counselor. There is no other application necessary. The deadline is April 23rd.
All other scholarship information that is received by NFA is available for students to review in the Career Resource Center located in Cranston. The scholarships vary widely on selection criteria, application requirements and deadlines. Take the time to research the possibilities. The hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 7:00 a.m.-3:45 p.m., Wednesday 7:00 a.m.-5:00p.m. Friday 7:00 a.m.- 3:15p.m. Parents are welcome. Please call for an appointment at 425-5621.
Capital Scholarship program (formerly the Connecticut Scholastic Achievement Grant) - Students who rank in the top 20% of their class at the end of their junior year or who have a combined SAT score of at least 1800 on any one sitting or a 27 on the ACT should see your guidance counselor. Applicants must complete the FAFSA as well.
Do not delay! Deadlines are very important. Many scholarships require transcripts and letters of recommendation. Do not wait until the last minute to request these forms from your guidance counselor. |
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