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11.1. Filling Out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
The FAFSA is the gateway to most financial aid in the U.S.—federal grants, loans, work-study, and even some state and institutional awards. Filing it is non-negotiable if you want aid. Here’s how to ace it:
When to Start: The FAFSA opens October 1 each year for the next academic year (e.g., October 1, 2025, for the 2026–2027 school year). Submit as early as possible—some aid is first-come, first-served.
What You’ll Need:
Your Social Security number (or Alien Registration number if you’re an eligible non-citizen).
Your parents’ tax returns and financial info (if you’re a dependent—more on that … Read more...
11.2. Understanding Your Student Aid Report (SAR)
Once you submit the FAFSA, you’ll get a Student Aid Report (SAR) within a few days (online) or weeks (mail). This isn’t your aid offer—it’s a summary of your data and eligibility. Here’s what to know:
Key Number: Expected Family Contribution (EFC): The EFC estimates what your family can afford based on income, assets, and household size. A lower EFC means more need-based aid. (Note: Starting 2024–2025, it’s called the Student Aid Index, or SAI, but the concept’s similar.)
Check for Errors: Review your SAR for mistakes—wrong income or school codes can skew your aid. Correct them at … Read more...
11.3. State and Institutional Aid Applications
The FAFSA isn’t the only game in town—states and schools often have their own aid programs:
State Aid: Many states offer grants or scholarships for residents, often tied to FAFSA data. Examples:
California’s Cal Grant (calgrants.org) for low-income or high-achieving students.
New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for in-state schools.
Check your state’s higher education website for deadlines—some are earlier than federal ones.
Institutional Aid: Colleges use FAFSA info to award their own grants or scholarships, but some require extra forms:
The CSS Profile (cssprofile.collegeboard.org), used by many private schools, digs deeper into finances (e.g., home … Read more...
11.4. Appealing Financial Aid Decisions
Your first aid offer isn’t set in stone. If it falls short—or your circumstances change—you can appeal. Here’s how:
Why Appeal?:
Life changes: Job loss, medical bills, or a parent’s death since filing the FAFSA.
Better offers: Another school gave you more aid, and you want your top choice to match it.
High EFC: Your family’s situation doesn’t match the FAFSA’s math (e.g., supporting a grandparent).
How to Do It:
Contact the school’s financial aid office—ask their appeal process (often called a “professional judgment review”).
Write a polite letter explaining your situation. Include:
Your name, … Read more...
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