FAFSA & CVHS

What is the FAFSA?

FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is a form completed by current and prospective college students in the United States to determine their eligibility for student financial aid.

Why should I complete the FAFSA?

- The FAFSA is required by most universities and colleges

· Completing the FAFSA opens up opportunities for loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study jobs (see diagram below)

· There is no penalty in completing the FAFSA

· You do not have to accept the money offered to you

Completing the FAFSA will require participation from a parent. It is possible for the student and parent to work on their portions of the FAFSA separately. It is also possible to begin the process and then complete it at a later time. In total, you should expect to spend about 45-60 minutes completing the FAFSA. Below is a list of what documents are needed to fill in the information that the FAFSA requires.

IRS Data Retrieval (preferred) or 2021 Tax Return ​

Bank/asset Statements​

Child Support (paid or received)​

Other untaxed Income received except Social Security

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1) Create an FSA ID for you and a parent

• Visit fsaid.ed.gov to obtain a Federal Student aid ID (FSAID) for you and for a parent. These will allow for you and a parent to sign the FAFSA. Keep track of this information.

2) Visit fafsa.ed.gov to complete a FAFSA to be considered for federal and state aid. Complete the FAFSA between October 1st and May 1st of senior year. Do 2023-2024 FAFSA form.

• Indicate what institutions (potential schools you would attend) you would like your FAFSA information to be sent to

3) Receive notification that your FAFSA has been received and processed

Final Steps (January-April)

1) Compare aid packages from any institutions that you have been accepted to

2) Decide which institution you would like to attend and accept your aid package. You do not have to accept the full amount offered; you can choose how much you would like to use.

Your FAFSA will have to be renewed each year that you attend any institution.

Once you have gathered everything, you are ready to submit your FAFSA via the myStudentAid app or online.

• Download the myStudent Aid app in the Apple App Store
• Download the myStudentAid app on Google Play
• Complete your FAFSA online

Information for non-citizens and other circumstances: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/fafsa-checklist-documents

Financial Aid Complete Process: https://studentaid.gov/h/complete-aid-process

10 common FAFSA mistakes and how to avoid them: https://www.collegefinancinggroup.com/tag/fafsa/

Your CVHS Counselor is always ready to answer a question or provide guidance with financial aid. Go to our website to see all the ways you can talk to your counselor. http://cvhsguidance.weebly.com/