During early February, high school seniors prepare to register for financial aid in Wolverine+ information sessions in the library with Ms. Nguyen and counselors to fulfill their graduation requirements.
Over the past couple of weeks, seniors have been scheduled during their Wolverine+ time to meet in large groups with counselors to review the FAFSA or California Dream Act application. Prior to attending the session, students were given packets in their classes to fill important information out. These packets were used to help students register for FAFSA with the necessary information to create their accounts.
FAFSA accounts require both student and parent participation to complete and are required for all high school seniors regardless of their future plans. For students attending a four-year university, these applications can be used to receive different types of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and subsidized loans. Any student residing in California will also qualify for free community college regardless of financial status.
During the information sessions, students began by playing a quick introduction game to test their knowledge about financial aid. Ms. Nguyen led the next portion of the presentation, explaining the importance of FAFSA and the benefits it provides to high school seniors. She also highlighted that the application must be filled out annually for each year the student plans to apply for aid.
The application deadline is set for June 30 each year, but students who file sooner are prioritized for aid. The system is based on a first-come, first-served basis and opened in late November 2024.
During the presentation, Ms. Nguyen said, “All high school seniors must complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act application because it is a graduation requirement. We have students complete this, regardless of their after-high school plans, because it provides them with the opportunity to receive free money.”
As the session continued, counselors walked around the area to assist students in creating their government portal required for the application. To apply, students start by creating a Federal Student Aid ID, then proceed to studentaid.gov to begin their FAFSA application by filling out the necessary information.
Students who had already completed the application were given a list of scholarship programs and websites to apply for and register with. Many of these websites required students to create portals with personal information to customize their preference lists. Some of the programs included PTSA, Bold.org, Going Merry, College Board, BigFuture, and Niche.
Raymond Harris (12) says, “I have already filled out my FAFSA application and submitted it to my colleges so I can receive my financial aid sooner. My parents helped me with the application.”
Students who do not have a Social Security number or are not California residents should fill out the California Dream Act application. These students can qualify for state aid but will be excluded from federal aid. This means they will not be eligible for Pell Grants, work-study programs, federal direct loans, and Parent PLUS loans.
