The FAFSA and You!What it is & What it

means for you

Goal & Connection Goal: You will obtain information about how to apply for financial aid in order to pay for college and complete the 2015-2016 FAFSA. This will also be a part of your senior project.

English Writing Standard 8:

Gather relevant information from multiple sources and integrate information into

text.

Counseling Standard A:B2:

Plan to Achieve Goals; Identify post-secondary

options

How did this happen?It’s because students didn’t complete their FAFSA.

In fact, 100,000 seniors in California alone left $396,401,205 in Pell Grants...that’s FREE MONEY that they qualified for!

http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/nerdscholar/2015/fafsa-college-money-left-on-table/

This is why we are taking action! We don’t want one of you to miss out on the free money you can use to get the education and training you need to be successful in your future!

The 2015-2016 FAFSAFreeApplication forFederalStudentAid

The Free and Easy way to Apply for

financial aid!

For University, Community College, and many Trade Schools

What is Financial Aid?

★ Financial assistance that can help pay for some or most of your college expenses:

○ Tuition○ Books○ Transportation○ Room & Board

Types of Financial Aid★ Grants: FREE Money

○ Pell Grant (Federal money based on financial need)○ Merit Grants (Based on Grades)○ Cal Grant (California-Only Students)

■ Cal Grant A based on GPA 3.0 and higher■ Cal Grant B based on GPA 2.0 and higher■ Cal Grant C is for student attending technical schools■ We automatically send the GPA verification electronically

○ BoG (Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver)■ Used at Community Colleges

★ Work Study: Jobs on Campus

★ Loans: Borrowed $ that must be paid back○ Federal Loans (Subsidized and/or unsubsidized)○ Private Loans

What about Scholarships?★ Scholarships are also Free money, but they are not awarded

through the FAFSA. They require you to do something--ie filling out an application, completing a service project, writing an essay etc...

○ National Searches ■ www.fastweb.com or Naviance■ Scholarship Bin located in the Tiger’s Den

○ Local Scholarships■ Community Scholarship Portfolio (find it on the schools

counseling website). Due February 6th!!!

So...How Can I Get Financial Aid?!To apply for Federal & State Aid you will need to complete the

FAFSA: The Free Application for

Federal Student Aid

www.fafsa.gov

What Will I Need to Apply?

★ Collect your personal financial information and your parent’s financial information. Complete the worksheet provided.

★ You will need your/your parent’s 2014 tax return○ If you don’t have 2014 tax info, you can use 2013

tax return & update your FAFSA later.

What Else Will I Need?

★ You will need to have a Social Security Number (SSN) to apply for financial aid.

★ If you do not have a SSN you will be applying for financial aid through the California Dream Act.

Anything Else I need?

★ You and your parent will need a digital signature for the FAFSA. This is called a PIN (Personal Identification Number).

★ If neither your parent has a SSN, you will need to submit a signature page through mail.

★ Create a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov○ SSN, Name, Date of Birth, Mailing Address○ Email Address○ Select and Answer a Challenge Question

www.pin.ed.gov

Completing the FAFSA

★ The FAFSA application opens January 1, 2015 for the coming school year.

★ PRIORITY DEADLINE = March 2, 2015

★ Financial aid is awarded on a first come first serve basis!

Student Aid Report (SAR)

★ After you submit your FAFSA you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the Department of Education.

This report will give you your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

Be sure to check your SAR for any errors.

Corrections can be made online or by mail.

How FAFSA Determines Aid

★ The amount of money you receive is based on your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).○ EFC = The amount your family is expected to pay for

your college based on family income.

Total Cost of Attendance

Total Cost of Attendance

Expected Family

Contribution (EFC)

Financial Need

College Financial Aid Packages

Schools will send you a financial aid package. The award letter will inform you of what type of aid you will receive at their school.

What if I Don’t Have a SSN?

The California Dream Act★ AB 540 Students

○ Attended High school for 3 or more years○ Graduate from a CA High School○ File an affidavit with college stating that you intend to file an

application to legalize your immigration status

★ Students can quality for:○ CAL Grant, BoG Waiver, State University Grant, EOP Grant,

UC Grant, Private Scholarships

www.caldreamact.org

What to Bring Next Week

★ Completed FAFSA Worksheet○ REMEMBER! Have your parents use their 2013 taxes

if they have not completed their 2014 taxes! You will just need to go back and update info once they have filed taxes.

★ Social Security Number

★ PIN: We are creating this today. ○ Be sure to write it down!

www.fafsa.gov

Connection.naviance.com/sanjacintohsUsername: long ID Password: Pass2013 (cap P)

About me > resume

www.caldreamact.org

Thank you!

You will be entered into a drawing for your

completed FAFSA so be sure to come

prepared next week with all your info!