FINANCIAL AID- 1st Steps

Throughout the fall, seniors planning to apply to college should be focused primarily on completing their college applications and maintaining strong grades. Solid academic performance in your senior year is a critical testimonial to your ability to be successful at the post-secondary level.

While much of the financial aid process comes after January 1^st, there are a few important tasks to attend to before the December break:

v Contact the financial aid offices of the colleges to which you are applying to request any additional forms needed. Some colleges may require institutional forms in addition to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

v Check to see if the CSS/Profile is required (information is available in the guidance office). This form is utilized by many private, selective colleges and requires additional financial information not found on the FAFSA. Register online for the CSS/Profile at:

www.collegeboard.com ($5)

v Attend the Financial Aid Workshop (with your parents if possible) in December (date to be announced). You can pick up a copy of the FAFSA, as well as, hear important information about the financial aid process.

v Go to www.pin.ed.gov to apply for a PIN for completing the FAFSA form online. This will save you time in January when you are ready submit the form. Both you and your parent must apply for a PIN.

v Gather scholarship information. Listen for announcements and check out web sites (see handout in senior packet) for national and state scholarships from October through April. Request application forms directly from the organization sponsoring the scholarship. Check resources available in the guidance office. Check the bulletin boards in the hallway near the guidance office for scholarship postings. Keep an eye out for the Scholarship News, coming soon to your senior homeroom.

v The FAFSA cannot be submitted until after January 1^st. However, you (and your parents) can organize the financial information needed (pretty much the same as that required to file tax returns) so you can submit the FAFSA in early January.

v If you are planning to apply to an out of state college/university in a degree program not offered by any of the public institutions in Maine, you may apply to the New England Board of Higher Education's Regional Student Program. For those accepted, this program offers a significant reduction in tuition. See your counselor for more information.

v If you are a male student between the ages of 18 and 25, you must register for Selective Service before you are eligible for financial aid.