Thursday, January 4, 2024

2024-2024 FAFSA Filing



Check Eligibility

Before starting the FAFSA process, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for federal student aid. Generally, eligibility is based on factors like citizenship, enrollment status, and financial need.


Create an FSA ID

Both the student and one parent (if applicable) need to create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID. This ID serves as your electronic signature and provides access to various federal student aid websites, including the FAFSA.


Gather Necessary Documents

Collect the required documents, including social security numbers, driver's license, federal tax returns, W-2 forms, and records of other untaxed income. If you're a dependent student, you'll also need your parent's financial information.


Visit the FAFSA Website

Access the official FAFSA website at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. Begin the application process by clicking on the "Start Here" button.


Complete the FAFSA

Provide accurate and up-to-date information about your financial situation. The FAFSA allows you to list multiple schools to receive your information, so be sure to include all the institutions to which you are applying.


Submit the FAFSA

Review your FAFSA carefully to ensure accuracy. Once satisfied, submit the application. You will receive a confirmation page and a confirmation email once the FAFSA is successfully submitted.


Review Student Aid Report (SAR)

After submitting the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Review the SAR for any errors or missing information. Make corrections if necessary.


Check with Financial Aid Offices

Contact the financial aid offices of the schools to which you applied to confirm they received your FAFSA information and to inquire about any additional steps required by the institution.


Stay Informed

Keep an eye on important deadlines and respond promptly to any requests for additional information from the schools or the federal aid office.


Remember that the FAFSA process may change, and it's essential to refer to the official FAFSA website for the most accurate and up-to-date information for the 2024-2025 academic year.


More tips: http://needycollegestudents.com



Wednesday, October 4, 2023

SAVE Repayment Plan for Student Loans

 


SAVE Repayment Plan Offers Lower Monthly Loan Payments

The Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan is the newest income-driven repayment (IDR) plan. Like other IDR plans, the SAVE Plan calculates your monthly payment amount based on your income and family size. In addition, the SAVE Plan has unique benefits that will lower payments for many borrowers.

The SAVE Plan replaced the Revised Pay As You Earn (REPAYE) Plan. Borrowers on the REPAYE Plan automatically get the benefits of the new SAVE Plan.

Go to: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/save-plan

Thursday, August 25, 2022

The New Joe Biden Student Loan Forgeness: Questions and Ansers

 

Who gets the $10,000 student loan debt forgiveness?

You must make less than $125K as single, and $250K as married. You also did not qualify and get a Pell Grant.

If you did receive a Pell Grant: Eligibility for $20,000 student loan forgiveness.

You must make less than $125K as single, and $250K as married. 

Other things to note:

Current students are also eligible, depending on their parents' income, and you made a loan before July 1.

Any and all federal student loans, including PLUS,  qualify, but private loans do not.

You cannot apply as of yet. Student loan payments have been put on hold. You will be able to apply before that hold expires on Dec. 31.

This is not associated with any other loan forgiveness plans available that you may be using.

Even if you are not eligible, at least your payments are on hold until the end of this year.

This loan forgiveness is not taxed at the federal level as other debt forgiveness programs might be. You might need to pay taxes on state or local.

For more info visit: http://studentaid.gov/debtrelief

Friday, September 2, 2016

How to Study Effectively




Studying is something all college students should be doing and doing well. But many students don't. If this is you, and you wish to change that, here are some good study tips. There are some classes you cannot fake. You have to actually learn and remember things.

Every day you should set aside some study time. If everyday is not an option, or you really don't need it daily, then do a weekly schedule. You MUST have regularly scheduled study time if you plan on studying best. Before a big exam, schedule longer sessions. Be determined to follow your study schedule. Make it a habit. Movies and fun can wait, not studying.

Some students like to listen to music or watch TV while studying. Not a good idea. But if you must, at least clear yourself from other distractions. Turn off your cellphone or put it in a place you can't get to it easily. Declutter your study area. All that should be there is study aids and books. You also need a schedule within your study time. Set a timer for 20 minutes or so. That way, you can take a break, stretch, clear your mind, go to the bathroom. You have to take these breaks, or your study time will not go well.

Study groups are not that great, actually. The more people you have, the less you can focus on your needs. Pairing up with another student or two is probably best. Have each of you come up with study questions and answers and go over them. You want to pair up with other students who are of the same mindset as you. Don't think you are going to help someone who is a goof-off.

Don't cram. Don't study at the last minute. Don't be a student who is nervously rifling notes at their seat even as the test is being passed out. It will not do you any good. Be prepared before you get there. Get a GOOD night sleep. Eat light and healthy. Bring whatever you need for the exam--pencils, pens, blue book, etc.

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Wednesday, August 31, 2016

College Students and Sleep

We would guess that many college students do not get enough sleep. And this might be one reason to do poorly in classes. Remember, you are in college to study, learn, and graduate to a good future. You can sleep all you want AFTER graduation.

You need a plan of attack for sleep. This starts with your daily plan. You need a routine. Each day is probably different, but your bedtime should be the same. Make it a habit to do a daily schedule, and pencil in bedtime. This also means that the time you get up should also be planned, and regular. Going to bed and getting up at the same times will eventually ensure a good night's sleep.

Don't study, read anything important, exercise, or do something that can stimulate you roughly 2 hours before sleep. This again means getting and keeping a schedule.

Eating might be a another problem. You cannot expect to get a great night's sleep if you eat large snacks or meals just before laying down. Forget the coffee and sugar drinks as well. Wind down with some gentle tea or something. Sleeping is all about relaxing, even your stomach.

Don't go to sleep with the TV going, radio, or earphones. if you can, turn your phone off, and don't check it if you wake in the middle of the night. Computer screens should be off. If this is impossible, invest in a cheap blindfold.

With a little planning, sleep can go a long way!

Do you want to become a teacher? Click here!

Sunday, February 16, 2014

College Debit Cards

Many colleges are making financial aid available on a college provided debit card. The money may be more conveniently available to students. Many students are taking them up on this offer and using their financial aid right from the debit card. But did you know there are reasons to not do this?

College students need every dime of financial aid. Some debit cards provided by the college may charge you a fee if you actually use it as a debit card. You should be able to use it as a credit or check card, then there should be no fee. If you cannot do this, you should not be getting your financial aid on a debit card.

Did you know that the colleges are probably getting a bounty for each student they get a debit card to? The colleges do not actually run the cards. Private banks do. You are then dealing with a private bank.

You can avoid fees as well if you just withdraw cash to use from ATMs run by that bank. The problem is, there may not be these ATMs readily available to you at any given time. So if you need quick cash, you pay a fee to get it. That's not fair to college students.

You are better off getting the financial aid in a check that you deposit in your own account and use it the most prudent way.

But, be aware that even if you do the debit card, you still have the option of getting a check or deposited right in your own bank account.

Of course your bank might have fees as well, but those would be fees you are already paying and know about.

Before you jump at the convenience of financial aid on a debit card, look at how much it may cost you. It could be a few dollars, or add up to hundreds over your college stay.

>> How about a tuition-free college?

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Getting into college with bad grades



How can you possibly get into college if you have bad grades? Does that sound like you? Don't panic, there are plenty of options. Grades are indeed one of the factors that are looked at, but you can get around it.

The best way is actually to delay college. Okay, not actually a delay in college, but a delay in applying to the college of your dreams. Go to a two year community college first, rack up good grades, then transfer. Your high school record will almost be a moot point. Some four year universities in the same area have a guaranteed acceptance agreement with some of the junior colleges. Doing some college at a community college helps lower the cost as well.

Another way to get around bad grades, is to just be open about them. In your college admission essay, admit the bad grades. Don't make excuses, but convince them you are a good risk.

Apply to as many colleges as you can and increase the odds that someone will admit you.

Get people who know you to write stellar letters of recommendation. These should include teachers, counselors, employers, even a pastor. The slant should be with your ambition overcoming your grades.

Most high school students start applying in their junior year. If your grades are bad, the chances are slim that you will be chosen. So, go ahead and strive to do A+ work as a senior, then apply. Sure, you might have to take a college that is not at the top of your list, but at least you're in.

So there you have it. Some ways of getting into college with bad grades.

> College Freshman Tips