College Application Process & FAFSA Monday, September 26, 2016

Steps to Apply to College Apply for admission starting August 1st -- Check deadlines Submit necessary documents to complete admission application Send ACT/SAT scores directly from the agency to the colleges Request high school transcript under Student tab on FHS website Request dual credit college transcript from SPC and/or ASU Pay the application fee or use fee waiver if applicable Complete scholarship application--Check deadlines Honors College usually has separate application One parent and student request FAFSA ID at www.fafsa.ed.gov Complete FAFSA starting October 1st at www.fafsa.ed.gov Check scholarships on FHS counselor website/ Scholarship tab

Applytexas.org 4 and 2 year public universities in the state and some private institutions Some colleges may have their own application on their website Complete ALL sections, even if it says optional Pay the application fee- it is not submitted until this is done Allow 2-4 weeks for colleges to approve a request to use fee waiver Complete the scholarship application part of applytexas before you submit Can “copy” information into a new application for another school 4 year applications request more information than 2 year so make sure you complete all sections “Saved but not submitted” applications will be deleted in 120 days

Applytexas.org Use legal name as it appears on social security card Enter SSN even though it says it’s optional Permanent address is your legal address where your mail goes Physical address is where you live Write username and password down and keep in a safe place to use for more applications READ everything closely! Once you click SAVE there are still a couple of steps before the profile is SAVED. Click on “You may now go to My Applications to complete an application.” Use a working, professional email that you check READ carefully the dual credit application question. You are applying for full college admissions not for dual credit.

Fee Waivers Clicking payment with “Fee Waiver” is a REQUEST to waive the application fee- NOT an automatic Colleges can decide not to grant one Colleges can require additional information/documentation Allow extra time to ensure application is “paid” with a fee waiver PRIOR to deadlines Not every college uses the same criteria/ process ACT/SAT application fee waiver forms EFC (estimated family contribution) from your FAFSA Form unique to that college to be completed by a school counselor

FAFSA Federal Application For Student Aid **NEW** The FAFSA is available October 1, 2016 Need to request FSA ID (replaced the PIN) PRIOR to completing FAFSA A username and password used by students and parents Used to electronically sign documents IRS Retrieval Tool available immediately Now some scholarship deadlines have moved up- CHECK DEADLINES Complete college applications earlier- can’t wait until Thanksgiving ACT/SAT results needed earlier to meet scholarship deadlines First Come, First Served money

So what income do I use?

Be Careful Read everything closely Some questions are “status of today” even though you are using 2015 income tax information FAFSA is a process . . . You are not finished until $$ hits your account! Check your SAR Complete verification if needed Check email regularly Accept financial aid award letter Follow Up!! WRITE down your FSA ID and keep in a safe place to be used in future years

Representatives Texas Tech University Lubbock Christian University

JOIN FHS COUNSELORS ON REMIND Text @33bae6 to 81010 JOIN FHS COUNSELORS ON REMIND