What time is it? It’s FAFSA time!
To guarantee financial aid for the upcoming academic year, now is the time to complete the 2010-2011 Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. Here are some important things to note about this year’s application:
- FAFSA on the Web (FOTW) is not only shorter, but has a more user-friendly login process and simplified help functionality as well.
- FOTW has “tool tips” that provide step-by-step help for each data element on the application.
- Instead of waiting for a printed copy of the confirmation page, you can request to have it sent by E-mail.
- You and your parents will receive an estimate of Federal Pell grant eligibility, as well as information about your selected colleges’ gradation, retention, and transfer rates.
Financial aid applications are generally filed during January 1 to March 2—March 2 is the recommended FAFSA filing date. You don’t have to wait for an admissions acceptance to apply for financial aid. In fact, comparing financial aid offers is a great way to make a choice about the college or university you plan to attend.
- If you’re transferring to a private college, submit your FAFSA and the required CSS Profile before January 15.
- If you’re transferring to a public college or university, complete your FAFSA by February 14.
- For more information on financial aid application deadlines, see this website.
While financial aid can be applied for after March 2, some programs (such as Federal work-study) have limited funding and will most likely run out of resources after March 2. It is also important to note that state grant programs will only consider applications processed by March 2 for Cal Grant programs.
Starting this month, PCC will host several 2010-11 FAFSA workshops. Please check the PCC Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid website for information about dates and times.
