Parent FAFSA Assistance Meetings - Held Annually in the Fall (October)

With the costs of completing post-secondary education continuously increasing, most students will need to consider seeking scholarships or some other form of financial aid, and choices made on first entering high school can affect a student's likelihood of gaining needed assistance. To have the highest probability of gaining the financial assistance that may be needed, you should:

• Select and pursue a rigorous program of courses that will prepare you well for seeking a degree area of interest to you.
• Perform community service.
• Make good grades and maintain good attendance.
• Participate and hold leadership positions in extracurricular, athletic, and volunteer activities.
• Score well on the appropriate college entrance exams.
• And did we mention performing community service?

You should begin thinking about meeting scholarship requirements beginning your freshman year!

Applying for Financial Aid

Applying for financial aid requires some work on your part. You won't get any money unless you ask for it, and asking for the money means completing some forms.

To obtain financial aid, there are three very important things to understand:

1. You only have to complete one form to start the financial aid process.
2. The financial aid office at the college you plan to attend will be in charge of awarding you financial aid.
3. Deadlines matter. The earlier you submit your forms, the more likely you are to get a good financial aid package.

What Is FAFSA?
FAFSA stands for “Free Application for Federal Student Aid.” As the name indicates, the application is free and there is no charge for the processing of your application. No matter how many schools you are applying to, you only need to fill out one FAFSA application. Once your application is processed by the federal processor, you and the schools you have selected will be notified of the results and the school can then start the process of determining the funding for which you are eligible.

Where Can You Find the FAFSA?
Complete the FAFSA application electronically; you can obtain the Web version at FAFSA website. You will need to apply for a PIN number before you can complete the FAFSA application. To apply for a FSA ID number, go to https://studentaid.gov/. The student and the parent will both need separate FSA ID numbers and will both have a role to play in filling out the forms.

When Should You Complete the FAFSA?

The FAFSA should be completed and processed as soon as possible after October 1 for students expecting to enroll in college in the next fall.

How Should You Complete the FAFSA?

To complete the form, you and your parents will need to share information on your financial condition (income, assets, savings, etc.). This is the same information you would be required to share with a bank or other lender when requesting a loan for a new car or home, or that you are required to put on your tax return each year. The tax return for the household from 2-years prior will be required to complete the FAFSA. Be sure to have your entire tax return on hand when filling out your FAFSA.

What's Next?

Once you have completed the FAFSA, your next step is to contact the financial aid office to determine if there is any other information you need to provide. Some colleges will require that you complete additional forms. Remember, you must have been admitted to the college before you will be considered for financial aid awards, so be certain to send in your application for admission.

*And, remember, financial aid offices are extremely busy places. The sooner you can complete the information required for financial aid, the better chance you will have of receiving aid.* Many colleges start their application process over a year in advance, with scholarship applications opening 10 months before the college term. Be first in line!

Your Financial Aid Application

FAFSA or TASFA? Which financial aid application should you use?

**See the counselors and they can help you determine what is right for you and help with the application process. 

Scholarships
Scholarships provide financial aid that does not have to be repaid. Some scholarships require the student to maintain a certain grade point average (GPA) or take certain courses. Scholarships for early graduation, nursing or medical programs, and academic merit.

Exemptions
Exemptions are a type of financial assistance allowing some Texas residents to attend a public college or university in Texas without paying tuition, and in some cases, tuition and fees. Programs for students who are adopted and previously in foster care, deaf, blind, valedictorians, and graduate early. Also for children of deceased public servants, veterans, peace officers, POWS, MIAS, and for families receiving TANF.