Workshops - FAFSA and TAFSA

Upcoming FAFSA Sessions

Northbrook HS (NHS)	3/1/2014	A119, #1 Raider Circle	9:00 AM - 12:00
HEB	3/1/2014	9710 Katy Fwy	1:00 - 4:00 PM
Northbrook HS (NHS)	3/4/2014	A119, #1 Raider Circle	8:00 AM - 5:30
MAM	3/8/2014	1625 Blalock Rd	9:00 AM - 12:00
HEB	3/8/2014	9710 Katy Fwy	1:00 - 4:00 PM
Northbrook HS (NHS)	3/11/2014	A119, #1 Raider Circle	8:00 AM - 5:30
Spring Woods HS (SWHS)	3/11/2014	Library, 2045 Gessner	6:00-8:00 PM
MAM	3/15/2014	1625 Blalock Rd	9:00 AM - 12:00
HEB	3/15/2014	9710 Katy Fwy	1:00 - 4:00 PM

A Parent U Event

College Financial Aid 101

Join us on December 6th for an information session on FAFSA and TASFA.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the most commonly used form to apply for financial aid.The Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TAFSA) is for students who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA because of citizenship status.

FAFSA Information Session

Who Should Attend: Parents of Seniors
(Students Who Are U.S. Citizens and Residents)

Thursday, December 6
9:30-11: 00 a.m.
SWHS, 2045 Gessner, Houston, TX 77080
Main Auditorium

Sandra Newton, owner of The College Resource Center and Collegiate Challenge volunteer at Spring Woods High School, will present a step-by-step overview of the FAFSA application.  She will help attendees understand the "ins and outs" of what to include on the application to maximize the amount of financial aid students can receive. Timing will be very tight to submit the application in February 2013 once a family’s 2012 Tax Returns are filed.  This session will help parents/seniors gather information in advance of completing their application. This workshop will HELP parents be ready and informed.

TAFSA Information Session

Who Should Attend: Parents of Seniors (Students Who Are Non-US Citizens)

Thursday, December 6
9:30-11:00 a.m.
SWHS, 2045 Gessner, Houston, TX 77080
Upper Library

Ivonne Moreira from Project Graduation, an expert on helping students who lack citizenship status successfully get into and pay for college in Texas, will present detailed information about the TAFSA application. Parents will learn what information to have ready when the application becomes available in January so their students will have the best opportunities to qualify for financial aid at Texas universities.

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Do I need to fill out the FAFSA or the TAFSA?

Based on your citizenship status, you will need to fill out either the FAFSA or the TAFSA.

• The FAFSA is for U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
• The TAFSA is for Non-Citizens

For help determining which financial aid application is right for you, visit FAFSA or TAFSA – Which financial aid application should you use?

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The FAFSA application is required for all federal assistance in paying for college and is used to determine your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as well as eligibility for a variety of federal grant programs.

The Expected Family Contribution represents the amount your family can afford to spend on college. It’s calculated based on the information you provide on the FAFSA about your income, family size and the number of children in college.

It is free to apply for financial aid. (Never pay anyone money to help you apply for financial aid.) Some institutions require an additional financial aid application. Check with your prospective college for their specific requirements.

Information needed to complete the FAFSA:

• Federal income tax returns
• State income tax return
• W-2 forms and other records of money earned
• Records of untaxed income such as welfare, social security, AFDS or ADC, veteran's benefits
• Current bank statements
• Records of other investments

FAFSA Application Deadlines

You should submit the FAFSA after January 1 of your senior year in high school, and every January while you are in college.

• Missing your financial aid deadline may jeopardize the amount, and the type of aid you receive.
• Contact the college/universities to find out the financial aid deadline.
• Application Deadline Information

FAFSA Website

Students will need a FAFSA pin number to get started. To register for a pin number, and access more FAFSA information online, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TAFSA)
If you don’t qualify for the FAFSA but you are classified as a Texas resident you should use this 2012-2013 TASFA Application to apply for financial aid at a Texas college or university.

The TAFSA application is processed by the local institution and may not be accepted by all colleges. For more information about the TAFSA and other financial aid options for Texas students visit the College for Texans website. If you have questions regarding your eligibility to apply for financial aid or which status you fall into, contact the Financial Aid Office at the Texas college or university you plan to attend.
  

Other Links of Interest

PIN Obtain a PIN number (electronic signature needed to complete the FAFSA online).
Student Aid on the Web Find information from the U.S. Department of Education on funding your education.
Texas Net Calculator Check out this calculator that can help families with a rough approximation of financial aid. This should also be available at all college websites.
For more detailed information, download: Guide to Federal Student Aid on Funding Your Education.