Every year, hundreds of thousands of college students and families sit down at the table or computer to fill out the FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid). They do it because the FAFSA is the primary application used by almost every college or university to determine if a student is eligible for (will qualify for) financial aid (grants, scholarships, work-study and educational loans). The problem is, the length of the application, the time it takes to complete it and the details it asks for can create anxiety and apprehension in the applicants. What to do?
NASFAA (the National Association of State Financial Aid Administrators) and the Lumina Foundation sponsor a national effort to provide free workshops and seminars for students and parents all across the U.S. Now, you can access financial aid officers at colleges and universities all year round, but this event - College Goal Sunday - is unique because of the number of states, schools and people involved in a single activity, working towards a single goal, on a single day.
This year, College Goal Sunday falls on February 17th. Colleges, universities and other volunteer organizations in 41 of the 50 states will be offering free programs that help students and families who need assistance in completing the FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Its just a great opportunity to get out there and find the help you need in a fun and spirited environment.
Why should you take part? Its free, anyone can access these programs, and everyone who needs help with the FAFSA can benefit. To find a program or site near you, go to www.collegegoalsunday.org. If you aren't able to attend a College Goal Sunday event and need help completing the FAFSA, contact the financial aid office at one of the colleges or universities near you. Help is usually only a phone call away!
Until next time!
Lynn Byrne
Preparing for college admissions? Trying to find direction? Need a little help with the planning? Check out my college planning series:
- College Planning Made Easy-- the planning and preparation workbook for the take charge, college-bound student, and
- The Great Scholarship Search--my guide for students and parents researching and applying for scholarship funding.
