Attention Upcoming College Students: The Importance Of The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

by Fallon Willoughby
ECHS KY College Coach
Senior year should be a time of excitement for students as they plan their future, and choose their college or career path. However, mixed in with that excitement is stress about how they will afford college, and how to choose a college. How do they know if they are ready?
 
College readiness is a topic being addressed across the nation by the government, states, schools and universities.  It is a topic that is close to home for our seniors and their parents. As the Kentucky College Coach at Edmonson County High School, I work with students to answer questions about college, and help prepare them for the transition. The high school works to help make sure all students are either college or career ready upon graduation. I am here to give added support in answering questions about financial aid, admissions, KEES, and any other college related topics.
 
For now, our main focus is the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).  It is an opportunity to gain access to federal and state funds. Most universities and colleges require the FAFSA to be filled out in order for students to attend, especially if they want scholarships or to work on campus.  The FAFSA can help estimate costs at a specific school, and immediately gives you an idea of whether or not you will be receiving funds. There is no reason to leave money on the table. The importance of filing the FAFSA as soon as possible cannot be stressed enough. It should be filled out as soon as possible after January 1st. The application can be found at www.fafsa.gov, and is completely free.
 
Here are some upcoming events where you can receive help to fill out the FAFSA:
 
Saturday January 9th, 2016
College Goal Kentucky: FAFSA Help event
WKU, Mass Media and Technology Hall (MMTH), Room 166 @ 10 am
 
People will be available to help file the FAFSA.
 
Monday, January 11th 2016
KET’s “College Financial Aid Call-In 2016,” a one-hour, live special edition of "Education Matters" offers help in navigating the all-important college financial aid application process.
@ 9/8 pm on KET and will also stream live online at KET.org/live.

The program features a panel of financial aid representatives from public and private Kentucky colleges and universities who will provide information on the availability of scholarships, grants and other financial aid and offer tips on applying for student loans. The panel will discuss general financial aid issues and field questions from viewers.  Viewers can also submit questions to @EducationKET on Twitter and on KET’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KET prior to the program for possible inclusion on the program.
 
Friday, January 15th 2016
FAFSA Workshop: Fill out FAFSA
Edmonson County High School from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
 
People will be available to help parents and/or their students to file the FAFSA.