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Questions about College Goal Sunday:
What is the College Goal Sunday Program?
The College Goal Sunday Program is a free service to assist in the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Do I need to bring anything with me to the College Goal Sunday program?
In order to complete the FAFSA at the College Goal Sunday Program, you and your parents will need certain documents/records.
Who should attend the College Goal Sunday program?
Anyone interested in attending a postsecondary institution who might need financial assistance in paying for college. Bring your parent(s) or legal guardian with you to the program.
How long will the College Goal Sunday session last?
The session is scheduled from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Please arrive on time. The program will begin with a brief introduction to the FAFSA completion process, followed by detailed assistance in completing the form.
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Questions about the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and Financial Aid:
What is the FAFSA?
Students use this application to apply for federal student grants, work-study money, and loans to assist them in funding their college education. They also may use this application to apply for most state and some private financial aid.
When should I fill out the FAFSA?
You should apply as soon as possible after January 1, once your parents have completed their 2011 U.S. income tax return. If the college has a deadline earlier than when your parents will have their taxes done, go ahead and estimate and meet the college's deadline. You can always correct the information later.
Will I need to complete my 2011 tax return before completing the FAFSA?
If the student or his/her parent(s) are filing a 2011 income tax return, we recommend filling it out before completing the FAFSA. However, the income tax return does not need to be sent to the IRS before filling out the FAFSA.
My parents are separated or divorced. Which parent fills out the FAFSA?
The parent you lived with most during the last 12 months. If you didn't live with either parent, or if you lived with each parent an equal number of days, use the parent who provided most of the support to you in the most recent calendar year.
Does my step-parent's income and assets have to be reported on the FASFA?
If the parent whose information you are reporting on the FAFSA has married or remarried, you must include information about your stepparent (even if they were not married in 2011).
My parents own a farm. Does this have to be included under assets?
If you and your parents live on the farm and your parents claimed on Schedule F of the U.S. Tax return that they "materially participated in the farm's operation," the farm does not have to be listed under assets.
What if I don't have a Social Security number or don't want to report it on the FAFSA?
You must enter your Social Security number on the FAFSA. If you don't submit your social security number, the form will be returned unprocessed and you will not be considered for federal student aid. Additionally, at least one parent social security number along with name and date of birth must also be supplied.
When is a student independent?
Under the Federal definition, an independent student is one who meets at least one of the following conditions:
- Is 24 years old (born before January 1, 1989 for the 2012-13 academic year)
- Is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Is an orphan (parents deceased) or ward of the court (or was a ward of the court until age 18)
- Has legal dependents other than a spouse
- Is married
- Is a graduate or a professional student
- Is currently serving on active duty in the US Armed Forces for purposes other than training
My father (or mother) recently died. How do I complete parental income information?
Complete the FAFSA using the income, tax liability and asset information of the surviving parent only.
The FAFSA asks about last year's income. My parent now is unemployed and our income is significantly less. What should we do?
Go ahead and fill out the FAFSA using the 2011 information. However, when you get your SAR back, you need to see or write the Financial Aid Administrator at the school(s) you want to attend. Explain the situation documenting the decrease in income. Financial Aid Administrators might use professional judgment to adjust your need if it is warranted and can be documented sufficiently to meet federal guidelines.
Can my parents and I fill out the FAFSA over the internet?
Yes, you can complete the FAFSA online. It is recommended that you and your parents get PIN codes first so you can sign the FAFSA electronically and not have to print out, sign and send in a paper signature page. Here are the web addresses:
Additional questions about the FAFSA for foster youth or wards of the court
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