Monday, November 21, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Hume-Fogg Academic High School, 4^th floor Lecture Hall

Seniors & the FAF$A:

What is it and what do I need to do?

1. Fill out the 2011-2012 FAFSA
2. FAFSA programs
3. Free tax preparation assistance

1. FILL OUT THE 2011-2012^* FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed by students applying for state, federal, and institutional financial aid. Even if you don't think your student will qualify for need-based financial aid, he/she should still complete the FAFSA to be eligible for things like low-interest student loans and the Tennessee Lottery Scholarship. The FAFSA can be completed online at www.fafsa.gov as soon as possible after January 1st of the year for which your student is requesting aid. Here are the steps you and your student should take when preparing to submit the FAFSA.

STEP 1: Find out the FAFSA priority deadline for your student's college(s).

Financial aid is often awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, it is crucial to submit the FAFSA in a timely manner. Many priority deadlines are as early as February. If your student doesn't file early, he/she may miss out on possible aid opportunities. Each school will have their own deadline. In order to qualify for the Tennessee lottery scholarship consideration you must apply as soon as possible after January 1^st; the funds for last year expired before the end of February.

STEP 2: Request a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for both student and parent.

Both the student and the parent will need to register for a PIN number at www.pin.ed.gov. The parent's PIN is different from the student's PIN. PIN numbers are required to sign the online FAFSA application. You can use the same PIN number for your electronic signature each year and for multiple children.

STEP 3: Collect your tax data.

The FAFSA form requests data regarding your current tax information. In order to meet the scholarship eligibility deadlines you will need to apply in January using estimated tax data. Just keep in mind that you must update the FAFSA with the official tax return numbers prior to receiving any financial aid.

STEP 4: Complete FAFSA on the Web Worksheet.

Be sure to complete the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet (in English or Spanish) in order to organize information. This worksheet allows you to read and complete the questions before entering information online. The questions are listed in the same order as they appear on the website. Applying for the FAFSA is FREE. If you are asked for money, you are on the wrong website!

STEP 5: Answering the other FAFSA questions.

In order to qualify for the Hope Lottery Scholarship, a Tennessee school needs to be listed as the first choice school to which the FAFSA results will be sent. A Tennessee school can be any college in our state from The University of the South: Sewanee to The University of Memphis. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or the FAFSA helpline (1-800-4-FED-AID, 1-800-433-3243). All Hume-Fogg students follow the “university path” for graduation.

STEP 6: Submit the 2011-12 FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov.

*It is important to fill out the FAFSA form for the academic year that your student will be attending college. Current seniors should fill out the 2011-2012 FAFSA form.

from www.ecampustours.com

2. FAFSA PROGRAMS

Much like filing your taxes, the FAFSA can seem daunting and overwhelming. There are several opportunities, both at our school and in the community, for you to receive free on-site professional assistance in filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

Learn how to fill out the FAFSA

Monday, November 21, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Hume-Fogg Academic High School, 4^th floor Lecture Hall

College Goal Sunday

January 30, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

There are several locations in the Nashville area including:

Belmont University,

Cumberland University (Lebanon),

Lipscomb University, and

Volunteer State Community College (Gallatin).