Many families skip the FAFSA on the assumption they won’t qualify for need-based aid. While that may or may not be true, there are plenty of other good reasons to fill it out. One of the best reasons: You have to fill out the FAFSA to get any federal education loans. Any family who does not have
What is it? Does it matter? Demonstrated interest is a topic of considerable confusion these days, especially since information about it varies widely. Let’s start with: What is Demonstrated Interest? From a school’s perspective, it’s you, as an applicant, showing how likely you are to
As acceptances roll in, they often include merit aid awards. Many students and parents are so thrilled to see these that they don’t look further– but they should! If your student received a merit award, visit the school’s merit awards website to see if there is a higher level of award that’s within reach– say, a nominal GPA
The first step in lowering your EFC is to determine whether or not it’s worth doing. How to do that? Determine if you’re a need-based aid candidate at any of the schools you are serious about. You can use the FAFSA 4caster to estimate your EFC; just remember to add back any retirement plan contributions to your income or you’ll…
Please avoid these two FAFSA mistakes at all costs: Don’t put “Student” info in the “Parent” section or vice versa. Each gets different treatment. When you file online, the Parent financial information comes first, after the student demographics. The Student financial information is last. Don’t brag. The FAFSA is the one piece of the college application process where you get…