ATTENTION ALL SENIORS: Whether you are planning on attending college or not, filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is something that must be done. Filling out this form with you and your parents' financial information will help determine the amount of federal and state aid available to you for continuing education. Even if you think you won't be attending college, I would strongly advise that you do it anyway. That way if you change your mind, you may still be able to receive some assistance.
The first thing you will need to do is go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ and sign up to get a PIN - which acts as you electronic signature. Parents will also need to get one! Then you may want to print out a FAFSA on the web worksheet. You can use this to fill in all of your financial information. (You and your parents will need your W2 form and any other financial information - checking & savings account, investments, etc.) After you do the worksheet, you can go back onto the FAFSA website to complete the form online. BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR PIN NUMBERS AT THE END and send it through.
The whole process is surprisingly user friendly - much easier than it used to be, and there are step-by-step guidelines to follow. It is also very secure and safe. Another nice thing about doing this all on the web is that if there is a mistake, you receive an email - with highlighted areas that need to be fixed and you can do this very quickly.
All information must be submitted by MARCH 10th in order to qualify for state aid. To be safe, I would suggest having everything completed by March 1st. In fact, if you are attending Purdue, and are a 21st Century Scholar - you must have it complete by the March 1st deadline.
All Fairfield seniors and parents should plan on attending the Financial Aid Meeting on January 25, at 7:00 PM. A financial aid officer from Bethel College will be there to explain the process and answer any questions you may have. An InTerra Credit Union representative will also be there to provide additional information about "Credit Union Student Choice". Watch the announcements for reminders and updates.
