The new year is here, and it’s time for seniors to start applying for FAFSA. Preparing for college is a difficult and confusing time, and if you have wondered, “What even is FAFSA?” This article is for you!
FAFSA stands for “Free Application for Federal Student Aid.” It is a form to be eligible for federal student aid. It covers tuition fees, housing, food, books and supplies, and transportation.
“The FAFSA is a graduation requirement so all Seniors should have to fill it out,” said Counselor Karen Olsen. “However, due to it being used to pay for college or tech school, you will fill it out every year you plan to be in school. The FAFSA is a graduation requirement so all Seniors should fill it out. But due to it being used for paying for college or tech school, you will fill it out every year you plan to be in school the next year.”
FAFSA can be very intimidating, but many resources and people are available to help.
“The office of Federal Student Aid provides publications, fact sheets, online tools, and other resources to help you prepare and pay for college or career school. Find available forms for repayment, deferment, forbearance, forgiveness, discharge, loan rehabilitation, service members, and TEACH grants.”
College is a stressful and confusing time, but you are not alone throughout this process.
“The high school offered a FAFSA Completion night in December and continues to offer appointments with the Saint Louis Scholarship Foundation,” said Ms. Olsen. They are here on Wednesdays and you can sign up in our office. Any college’s financial aid office can help. All you need to do is contact them.”
These resources are provided so students can ensure their academic success.
To begin your application, visit: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
You might need some information while applying for the FAFSA. These include your and your parents’ SSNs, 2023 income tax returns, current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts, and net worth of investments, businesses, and farms.
FASFA opened last December, and forms must be submitted by June 30, 2025, at 11:59 Central Time (CT).
“Several websites offer help filling out the FAFSA® form for a fee. These sites are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). We urge you not to pay these sites for assistance that you can get for free elsewhere,” Olsen warns.
Senior year flies by, so hopefully this article will help guide you and remind you of the resources out there. People are here to support you throughout this stressful process.
