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Many families are understandably concerned about meeting rising college costs. Any candidate for admission to college should apply for financial aid if his or her family feels that they may not be able to pay the entire cost. Early in the senior year students should be sure to check the financial aid deadlines and the forms which are required by each college they are considering. Students should pursue all possible sources of financial aid. Please keep in mind, however, that "financial need" can differ greatly from "financial want."
In December of the student's senior year, seniors and their parents are encouraged to attend a financial aid workshop that is sponsored by the North Shore Counselor Consortium (consisting of Homestead, Nicolet, Shorewood, and Whitefish Bay high schools).
Types of Financial Aid
Grants
Scholarships
Loans (Federal Stafford Loans, Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students - "PLUS", Private Loans)
Student Employment (Work Study)
FAFSA
FAFSA is the acronym for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is required for anyone wishing to be considered for federal-based loans and other monies at post-secondary schools. Applying for financial aid may done by completing a mail-in paper version or an on-line version. We strongly encourage the use of the on-line version because the process is quicker, and the turnaround time is cut in half. It normally takes two weeks to receive a response when filing on-line as opposed to the mail-in paper version, which takes four to five weeks. The on-line version has a downloadable preliminary worksheet to help estimate the amount of financial aid for which the student would qualify.
Before beginning the process of applying on-line for federal aid, it is necessary for students and parents to obtain PIN numbers, which will also serve as electronic signatures. Apply for your PIN numbers early. This can be done well in advance of filing your tax returns. www.pin.ed.gov/PINWebApp/pinindex.jsp
The next step is to file an application with FAFSA. Use the banner below to link to this government site. (Warning !!! The site "FAFSA.com" is a commercial site run by people who charge lots of money for what is free through the government site. Don't use it by mistake!)
FAFSA WEBINARS ARE NOW AVAILABLE. Everything you need to know about completing the FAFSA. Register today at: www.mygreatlakes.org/fafsa
**Important financial aid event!!**
Learn how to fill out the FAFSA. This is the gatekeeper for grant money, student loans and work-study programs for college.
College Goal Sunday is a national event that provides free information and assistance to families who are filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), the federally required form for students seeking financial aid, such and grants and loans. Completing the FAFSA is the first and most important step in qualifying for aid. College Goal Wisconsin will be taking place February 18 & 19, 2012 at 30 locations across the state. Go to the website to view locations and times: http://www.collegegoalwi.org
FASTWEB
Fastweb is the Internet's largest free scholarship search service.
Student Aid on the Web
This site has federal, state, and other sources of information. It also contains links to the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission's fraud information.
Sallie Mae
Sallie Mae is a source for educational loans.
Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB)
The HEAB is responsible for the management and supervision of the state's student financial aid system for Wisconsin residents attending institutions of higher learning.
FastAID
This site contains a private sector college scholarship database.
529s
This site contains private sector financial aid information.
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