As college application season comes to a close and the middle of senior year approaches, students and families begin to take on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or more simply, FAFSA.
“FAFSA is open all the way to the start of school and beyond. A student can apply much later than that, but the earlier they submit their application, the earlier schools can let them know, ‘here’s what can be offered, here’s the dollar amount and here’s programs you can participate in to make it more affordable,’” Nick Messing of Michigan Financial Aid said.
While the FAFSA has layers of available submission times, the first FAFSA opens on Dec. 1, 2024, and closes on Dec. 21, 2024. The earlier the submission, the earlier students will have access to saving opportunities and the availability of funds for their college careers.
“Sometimes, families aren’t sure if they’re going to qualify based on their income, so I always get asked if I really want to complete the FAFSA. Yes, yes and yes. Not only can it give students grants, or possibly some loans […] but many scholarships also require, even merit based scholarships, that there is a FAFSA on file,” West counselor Jennifer Lee said.
For students worried about having thousands of dollars in debt during their undergraduate years, students can apply for a wide range of scholarships and aid, so nearly all students have an opportunity to apply for federal, school and state funding. These scholarships don’t just consider their family’s well-being, but also a student’s academic success, athletic success and a student’s ability to do almost anything.
“My sister and I are both going to college, I’m a twin. I think finding scholarships and financial aid [is my biggest concern]. I didn’t know much at all, but I learned about the FAFSA and scholarships this year and what will actually help me. [Make sure to] apply to all and every scholarship that you can, because even if you don’t use it, you will still have money that can go toward your education,” senior Lucy Lessner said.
Since taking on thousands of dollars worth of debt can be a stressful, unwelcoming accomplishment, students should explore scholarships and outside opportunities and start the FAFSA early while exploring their dream schools and figuring out the price of going to college.
“It’s always good to ask non-academic questions, like, ‘what is life like outside of the classroom? And in the evenings and on weekends?’ Is it a very quiet campus with not a lot going on?’ Take that extra step and be proactive to ask and be proactive to do your application well,” Messing said.
