Class of 2016, Happy (almost) New Year = Time for FAFSA!

The holidays are here! The first of the month is approaching which can mean a few things, a new year to celebrate, making (and breaking) those New Year’s Resolutions, and FAFSA time!

The 2015-2016 FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid, becomes available on January 1^st, 2016. All seniors should be in the process of exploring, reviewing and completing his FAFSA. In order to begin your application in the New Year you must have a FSA ID - which you must apply for. You can apply today for this ID(which we recommend as it can take up to 2 week to receive your ID).

Each student and his parent need a ID. Apply for an ID at https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm. Deadlines to complete the FAFAS vary by state, for New Jersey the deadline is June. However the sooner you complete the FAFSA, the sooner you can receive your maximum financial aid package from each college you have been accepted to.  

There are many helpful resources to support the student and his family through this process – two of my favorites being http://studentaid.ed.gov/ and http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/index.htm. Be sure when filing your FAFSA to use the .gov website and not an imposture!

Happy Holidays and Happy Filings!

Mrs. Sarah Morissette, M. Ed.