It's the time of year when college recruiters are visiting high schools, communities are hosting college fairs, and campuses are opening their doors to students on special visitation days, hoping to recruit them.
This is an exciting time for students, whether they are high school students preparing for the next step or current college students continuing on their academic journey. At the same time, it can also be stressful as students and their families navigate the waters of financial aid.
It all starts with the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA)--the application that all college applicants must submit to be considered for aid regardless of where they go to college. This year, the FAFSA is easier to complete, and it can be completed and submitted earlier.
Under the old guidelines, a student wanting to start college the next fall couldn't complete the FAFSA until Jan. 1. Many families delayed applying, though, because they needed their previous year's tax return to complete the application. In the process, they either missed the deadline to ensure financial aid, or didn't complete it at all. Therefore, their students weren't eligible for financial aid.
This is the second year all college-bound students can apply for financial aid beginning Oct. 1. They can apply now using their 2016 income and tax information. This makes the application easier because families have already done their 2016 taxes, so there's no waiting. The FAFSA also includes a ready-to-use IRS Data Retrieval Tool to pull in 2016 tax-return information. Students may be able to transfer their parents' federal-tax return information directly into the FAFSA without needing the actual documents from 2016.
Completing the FAFSA is crucial to a student's success, and getting it done sooner rather than later can eliminate last-minute stress, or even worse--a missed opportunity to go to college.
For those just starting the admissions process, it's not too late. Take the ACT if you haven't. Make sure your scores are sent to your potential college choices.
Go visit some colleges and universities--it's the best way to find out which school is the best fit. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock and other institutions across the state typically offer daily campus tours. These tours help students find an institution that feels right for them while being able to complete a degree in their chosen area of interest.
One thing is for sure. No one gets financial aid, scholarships or grants unless they apply for them. Many scholarships go unrewarded each year because there were no applicants. It's best to cast a wide net and apply for all forms of aid. The state of Arkansas' YOUniversal site, scholarships.adhe.edu, has good information about state scholarships and grants.
Also, ask around at your school, church, in the community, at your parents' places of work, and civic clubs for possible private scholarships. Always look to free resources for assistance with financial aid and scholarships. Don't assume that because you pay for someone to help, it will get you more financial aid.
Finding the right path is different for everyone. Every student's financial-aid package is different, just as every family's financial resources are different. It's all about finding what works right for the student and family.
Arkansas needs more college graduates, and our students and families deserve affordable options. Your colleges and universities in Arkansas are ready to enroll students, but colleges and universities rely on the FAFSA to assist.
Waiting until the last minute just makes things harder for the student and the institution. With the FAFSA applications now open, there's no need to wait. Get started at fafsa.ed.gov.
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Mark Allen Poisel is vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Editorial on 10/19/2017