Ring In 2014 with the FAFSA

What a better way to welcome in the New Year than to complete the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)! If you are the parent of a college student, you know about the application.  However, for those of you who are the parent of a high school senior, you are in for a financial aid experience.

January 1 was the first day you could file the FAFSA for the 2014-2015 academic year.  The form can be found online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, where you can log on and complete the application.  Completing the FAFSA is the first step in the financial aid process.

In order to file your FAFSA, you will need information about your 2013 income.  Although you have not received your W-2 form, do not wait to complete the FAFSA.  You can use last year's tax return numbers, and check the "My parents will file…" box on the FAFSA.  At least this will get the process started, and you can revise the form when you have completed your 2013 tax return.

Of course, this is a simplified article about the financial aid application process.  For more information, click on www.finaid.org and read about financial aid, student loans, and scholarships.  If you need assistance completing the FAFSA, on January 26 Hall High School will host College Goal Sunday; a national program designed to assist students compete the FAFSA.

Lisa Frisbie, owner of Academic Insight LLC, is a college admissions and financial aid counselor in the Farmington Valley area.