Guidance News

FAFSA

To apply for financial aid, every student will need to file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This form is required by all colleges and is available online, starting October 1st of each year, at fafsa.gov

CSS Profile

In addition to the FAFSA, many private colleges also require the CSS Profile. CSS Profile is an online application that collects more in-depth information than the FAFSA in order for colleges to determine eligibility for non-federal aid. Students should check to see if their school requires this form. To apply go to cssprofile.org.

Some colleges also have a supplemental form that needs to be completed in addition to the FAFSA and the CSS Profile. Be sure to check the financial aid requirements for every college you will be applying to.

Grants and scholarships

Grants and scholarships are gift aid that do not have to be paid back and are based on a student's merit and/or financial need.

Private Scholarships

Private, local, and national organizations offer private scholarships. Check with your counselor, parents' employers and community and civic organizations to find out about local and national scholarships. Check the guidance office of your high school for scholarship applications.

Work-Study

Work Study programs allow students to work part-time on or near the college campus while in college. Students earn their awards by being paid directly for the hours that they work. Earnings may be used for any expenses and the award isn't deducted from the college bill. Instead, the student gets a paycheck throughout the academic year for working.

Federal Students Loans

Federal student loans are available to eligible students regardless of income or credit score. They offer fixed interest rates and various repayment options. Be sure to check with your college financial aid office about different borrowing options.

After you apply for financial aid, the colleges you listed on the FAFSA will review your application and determine your eligibility for financial aid. If a college contacts you to request additional information, make sure that you respond promptly. Once your application is complete, each college will send you an award letter/financial aid package. Read the award letter carefully and make sure that you understand the entire financial aid package. You can accept the award in its entirety or just part of the package. For example, you can just accept grants and scholarships and reject the loans. Remember, as long as you are in college, you will need to apply for financial aid every year.

• What is the total cost of attendance at your college?
• What financial aid forms are required and what is the financial aid deadline?
• Does your college offer merit-based scholarships?
• Are there grants and scholarships that are renewable each year? If so, do I need to maintain a certain GPA?
• What is the average financial aid package at your college?

MEFA is a great organization that offers a variety of resources to students and families. MEFA can help families with planning, saving and paying for college. Some of the services MEFA offers include:expert guidance in financing, low cost, fixed interest loans, informative webinars, seminars and emails to assist families with college financing. For more information, check out the MEFA website at mefa.org.

School Counselors

Lauri Howard- lhoward@wbridgewater.com

Alcides Pina- apina@wbridgewater.com

School Psychologist

Katherine Pontes- kpontes@wbridgewater.com

Guidance Secretary

Tara Myers- tmyers@wbridgewater.com