While the re-entry into the everyday routine after the holidays is a stark reminder January has arrived, this month also signifies the start of the second semester for schools, and for high school seniors, a sudden reality check commences.
January is a pivotal month for seniors, their parents, counselors and teachers. The pace is notably different between first and second semesters in a high school. It’s as if someone picked up the slow-moving wind-up toy and twisted it tightly, forcing it into overdrive mode. There are now pages of to-do lists for everyone. The relaxing holidays have ended, and the fast-approaching high school graduation and college planning, admission and financial aid deadlines hit both students and parents hard. No more procrastinating on scholarship research and submissions for students. And the financial fear factor for how to pay for college is in full swing for parents.
January also is a key financial aid month. High schools will host their Financial Aid Night. Counselors, college representatives and financial aid experts will discuss the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) and other financing options available through the universities/colleges (e.g., private scholarships) and educational loan partners. The FAFSA is required for all prospective college students seeking Pell grants, scholarships, work-study programs and student loans.
A couple of recommendations regarding financial aid:
GET A PIN NUMBER EARLY
Go to the FAFSA Web site at www.fafsa.ed.gov to register for a pin number (the response is immediate, but may take longer if you wait till later months). You must have a PIN to submit the FAFSA electronically. While you’re on the Web site, print a copy of the FAFSA worksheet to use as reference for the information you will need to complete the FAFSA application (e.g., tax information).
COMPLETE YOUR TAXES IN JANUARY (or as early as possible) to apply for FAFSA
While you’re waiting to receive your W-2s, read through the worksheet to see what other information you can locate in advance. Set a time in advance with your son or daughter to sit down together and complete the FAFSA worksheet. The worksheet serves as a facilitator in the discussion about finances, Expected Family Contributions and many other topics (and acronyms). Once the worksheet is completed, the information can be transferred easily and quickly to the online application for submission.
SEEK ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE, IF NEEDED for completing the FAFSA application
Help is available through college financial aid offices (and through AZ Leaders and Learners). Also, during February each year, there is one weekend when parents and students can get answers to questions and one-on-one help with the FAFSA. In 2012, this assistance (called College Goal Sunday) will take place on Saturday, Feb. 11, at Mesa Community College and Sunday, Feb. 12, at Arizona State University Polytechnic Campus. You can obtain more details at
www.collegegoalsundayusa.org.
DON’T HAVE A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR YET?
You can still benefit from getting familiar with and planning for this critical time for your teen’s senior year. Although, the school year for most students begins in August each year, for junior high and high school students, the planning for the next year is now (January through March). They will be registering for next year’s classes, and prudent planning and good decision-making for these classes (and preparing for life after high school) also is now. Happy new semester to you and your family.
For more information, call (480) 329-0450, or e-mail azleadersandlearners@gmail.com.