Project Leadership: Grant County, Indiana

Friday, January 7, 2011

Countdown to graduation

Start thinking ‘FAFSA’

Seniors have a lot to think about as they enter the last semester of their high school careers. Starting with today’s PL page and continuing throughout this school semester, look for timely tips for seniors during this busy and crucial time in their educational careers.

Today’s focus is on preparing for the FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Every student who plans to further their educations after high school needs to complete the FAFSA. During February there will be plenty of one-on-one help available at each of Grant County’s five high schools. Look for a complete listing of FAFSA lab hours at your local high school in upcoming PL page editions.

What seniors need to be focusing on now is getting together the necessary documents and paperwork that they’ll need to complete the FAFSA. Below is a list of materials students should have on hand when it is time to complete the FAFSA:

Your Social Security Number
Your driver's license or state ID (if any)
Your W-2 Forms and other records of money earned
Your 2010 Federal Income Tax Return
Your parents' 2010 Federal Income Tax Return (if you are a dependent student)
Your untaxed income records - Social Security, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, welfare, or veterans benefits records
Your current bank statements
Your alien registration or permanent residence card (if you are not a U.S. citizen).