High School Counselor Day November 2013 Financial Aid Session Presenter: Connie Barton, M. Ed Shasta College-Director of Financial Aid

Shasta College- Financial Aid Website HOME PAGE

Shasta College- Financial Aid Website HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR PAGE

THE FINANCIAL AID PROCESS: Step 1- Submit a Shasta College application online Step 2- Starting January 1st of every year, submit the FAFSA at (attend a Cash For College Night!)

THE FINANCIAL AID PROCESS: Step 3- Submit your High School FINAL transcripts to Admissions and Records, as soon as possible! Step 4- Attend a Shasta College Orientation-learn more in depth information on Financial Aid process

THE FINANCIAL AID PROCESS: Step 5- Once Shasta College has received students FAFSA, an is sent to students from the FA Office Go online to ‘My Shasta’ and check ‘My Documents’ to see what is needed to submit to the FA Office Step 6- March-Financial Aid Office starts accepting documents for financial aid processing for the next academic year

THE FINANCIAL AID PROCESS- ‘ IMPORTANT DATES/DEADLINES’ December- Check Shasta College High School Scholarship listings January 1 st -FAFSA becomes available for next academic year March 2 nd - Entitlement Cal Grant (submit FAFSA and verified GPA to Cal Grant by this deadline March-Financial Aid Office starts accepting documents for next academic year May-Registration for Fall semester begins August-Students receive a Higher One Card (to access $$$) -Fall scholarships and loans open -Fall semester begins September 2 nd - Competitive Cal Grant (submit FAFSA and verified GPA to Cal Grant by this deadline)

THE FINANCIAL AID PROCESS- Processing Timeframes- Estimated Shasta College Financial Aid Office Processing ​Timeframes- March 1 st - April 30 th ​………………………….2 to 3 weeks ​May 1 st - June 30 th ​.…………………………3 to 5 weeks ​July 1 st - October 30 th ​………………………….6 to 8 weeks (August is our busiest time!) November 1 st - December 31 st …………….​3 to 5 weeks ​January 1 st - February 28 th ………………….2 to 4 weeks Timeframes vary dependent on the number of files received​ Submitting your paperwork during the March 1 st -April 20 th ensures the quickest processing time

THE FINANCIAL AID PROCESS: Tips for ensuring financial aid is not delayed: Apply early Submit ALL documents needed in May Keep checking ‘My Documents’ until everything says processed Check for updates Follow up and ask questions if necessary

THE FINANCIAL AID PROCESS- ‘ INDEPENDENT STUDENTS’ INDEPENDENT STATUS REQUEST FORM: -Submit for unusual family circumstances -Form found at Vs. HOMELESS HIGH SCHOOL LIAISON- -Every High School has a designated liaison -Submit homeless verification letter

Federal and State Financial Aid Recent Changes: California Dream Act of 2011 – Opened up State Grants for undocumented individuals in CA – Undocumented students must have their GPA verified and sent to Cal Grant by March 2 nd – Submit prior year graduates GPA by March 2 nd More info at:

Federal and State Financial Aid Recent Changes: Registered Domestic Partners- IRS Filing Status – Starting in the 2013 tax filing year, RDP’s can file in a “married” status – Both partners financial information must be included on the FAFSA/Dream Application – Future guidelines will be provided by the Department of Education

Shasta College- Financial Aid Website ONLINE FINANCIAL AID PRESENTATION

PLAN AHEAD GO ONLINE FOLLOW THROUGH DON’T BE LATE!