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GSFC counselor gives tips on applying for financial aid
High school seniors who are planning enrollment this fall in vocational technical schools, colleges, or universities should begin the process now of applying for financial aid.
Most schools require students to begin by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA serves a two-fold purpose, said Calvin King, manager of financial aid consultants for the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC). "First, it is used to determine a family's ability to pay the student's college expenses, a process that results in the 'expected family contribution.' Second, the FAFSA is used to apply for both federal and state scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment programs. For example, the FAFSA may be submitted to apply both for the federal Pell Grant and for Georgia's HOPE Scholarship."
Some public colleges and universities in Georgia permit students who are seeking only the HOPE Scholarship/Grant to submit the HOPE Alternate Application (HAA). Meanwhile, some of Georgia's private colleges/universities allow students to submit the Georgia Tuition Assistance Grant Application to apply for the HOPE Scholarship.
Several private colleges throughout the nation, which award a substantial number of scholarships, require that a supplemental form called the PROFILE be submitted. In Georgia, only Oxford College of Emory and Emory University use the FAFSA and the PROFILE, King said.
Many institutions require their student financial aid applicants to submit a school-specific application, such as the University of Georgia 2001-2002 Financial Aid Application.
"Because the financial aid process varies somewhat from school to school, it is important for high school seniors to contact financial aid administrators at the school they are considering," King said.
But high school seniors, who would like to be considered for both federal and state financial aid programs, should submit the FAFSA. Students planning to enroll in out-of-state institutions are required to file the FAFSA as well.
Applying for student financial aid can be complicated, King said. He supplied the following FAFSA questions and answers to help applicants understand the process.
FINANCIAL AID QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2001-2002
Q. I am not sure which college or university in Georgia has the program of study that I want to pursue.
A. Obtain a copy of Georgia's 2000-2001 Postsecondary Directory of Schools from your high school. It lists Georgia's colleges, universities and technical colleges and all the programs that each one offers. All of this information also can be found on the Web site, www.gsfc.org.
Q. Where can a high school senior obtain a copy of the 2001-2002 Free Application for Student Aid- FAFSA?
A. The Georgia Student Finance Commission has distributed the 2001-2002 financial aid packets to high schools throughout the state. These packets, which contain the FAFSA, may be obtained from your high school counselor. A link to the FAFSA Web site also can be found at www.gsfc.org.
Q. How can my family obtain more information about federal and state financial aid programs?
A. The financial aid packets also provide information about federal and state programs, including the HOPE Scholarship Program. Further, financial aid information and application workshops are being conducted in high schools around the state. Please contact your high school counselor and/or a nearby high school about such a program. Also, please visit the GSFC Web site, www.gsfc.org.
Q. Should a student file a FAFSA for each institution being considered?
A. Only one FAFSA needs to be filed. Make sure, however, that you list all the schools you are considering on the FAFSA you submit.
Q. I heard that the FAFSA can be submitted via the Internet?
A. That's correct. The Web site offering free electronic FAFSA application is www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Q. Can I get the HOPE Alternate Application (HAA) from my high school counselor as well?
A. No. The HAA, which is used to apply only for the HOPE Scholarship or HOPE Grant, can be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid at the Georgia college or university that you plan to attend.
Q. What is the deadline to submit the FAFSA?
A. Each college or university will set its own deadline for its students to apply for financial aid. You should apply as early as possible to ensure that funds will be available for your college expenses.
Q. What documents will I need in order to complete the 2001-2002 FAFSA?
A. Families (i.e., parents and students) should complete the 2000 federal tax return form after the start of year 2001. Key tax information from your family's tax form, such as the adjusted gross income, is to be included on the FAFSA.
Q. Should a copy of my family's tax return form(s) be sent along with the FAFSA?
A No, but the institution that you plan to attend may request that you submit the tax form to the Office of Financial Aid.
Q. What happens after I submit the FAFSA?
A. Four to six weeks after submitting the FAFSA, you should receive a multi-page green colored form called the Student Aid Report (SAR). Your parents should carefully review the SAR to make sure all the information is correct. Contact you college or university to determine if they want you to send the SAR to them. If you are applying to several colleges, you may need copies of the SAR. To order duplicate SAR forms, call 1-800-433-3243.
Q. My brother is applying to Emory, and I think he needs to submit the PROFILE form. What should he do?
A. Have him get a PROFILE registration form from the high school counselor. Also, he can visit the Web site www.collegeboard.com or call 1-800-778-6888.
Q. I have never used my real name on anything. I always use my nickname. Can I use my nickname on the application forms?
A. You must use your real/legal name, and you should always include your legal name and Social Security number on any correspondence concerning your financial aid.
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