Understanding FAFSA.
The goal can be to get a full-ride scholarship but that is not the norm and not always possible at the time you want it. When this isn’t the case, a lot of recruiting processes turn into creating scholarship packages that combines both athletic scholarship with other funding opportunities like federal financial aid. This is done by completing the Federal Financial Aid application (FAFSA).
Why you should fill out the FAFSA.
Whether you are playing or not playing, financial aid will be something you need to look into when looking to progress academically at the next level. Most colleges and private scholarships require students to submit their FAFSA to be considered.
When you should fill out the FAFSA.
The FAFSA opens on October 1st. You should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. The Financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. The consideration for aid for the following school year is until June 30, but most colleges require you to have this complete along with your applications as early as February or March.
THE EFC.
The EFC is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The information. from your FAFS is used to calculate your EFC. It helps determine your eligibility for all financial options administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Colleges use the EFC to help determine how much financial aid money you would get if you went to their school. Your EFC also comes into play when there are college coaches recruiting you that can offer partial scholarships. Often times, coaches take your EFC into consideration when collaborating with Admissions to build a competitive scholarship package. See more information on the EFC here: Expected Family Contribution.
How to Complete your FAFSA application.
Create an account/FSA ID.
Create your account at fafsa.ed.gov and keep in mind that it can take up to 3 days for you to get your FSA ID after you create your account. You can also download the myStudentAid app on IOS and Android devices and fill out the FAFSA form and view other information.
Fill out the student demographic section
This will just ask for you to complete all of your basic information.
List the schools you’re interested in.
You are able to list up to 10 schools. You will need to list at least 1 school when filling out the form.
Complete the dependency status questions.
These questions will help determine whose financial information you will use when filing. Dependent students will use their parents’ financial information.
Fill out the parent demographic section.
This information is for the parents to fill out their basic information
Provide your financial information.
Provide your necessary financial information. Then Double Check, Review, SIGN and SUBMIT!