Financial Aid Nights

The process of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be a frustrating and confusing experience for many parents. Counselors can help parents by scheduling a financial aid event at the high school and bring in speakers who can explain the process. This can also include a review of the FAFSA that points out problems areas that students and parents typically encounter with the form.

Although counselors may be able to present the information themselves at such an event, you can contact organizations and agencies to assist you. These contacts would include financial aid officers from local colleges and universities, staff from the state financial aid agency, college access staff, and others.

A good financial aid event should provide parents with information about student aid opportunities from the federal government, the state, the postsecondary institutions, and private sources. Parents should receive printed information to take home as reference material, as well as Website resources. Finally, they should leave knowing whom to contact as a resource person if they have additional questions concerning the financial aid process.

For students and parents, the issue of paying for college can be the most frustrating and intimidating part of the whole college process. By hosting a financial aid event at your school, you can take great strides toward reducing their fears and anxieties.