Smart Money Moves
Financial Aid & Scholarships Newsletter: September 2019
In this issue, you will find:
- The FAFSA Opens October 1
- CSS Financial Aid Profile
- UNC School System Priority Filing Deadlines
- WSFCS Financial Aid Night
- Download the myStudentAid mobile app
The FAFSA Opens October 1! Are you ready?
What is the FAFSA?
For many students, filling out and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA is the first step toward figuring out how to pay for college. Filling out a FAFSA will let you know which types and how much financial aid you may qualify for. The 2020-21 FAFSA will be available on October 1 and will require you to use your 2018 Tax Return information.
Why do I need to fill out a FAFSA?
Colleges require a submitted FAFSA to determine a student's eligibility for Financial Aid, which can include a combination of scholarships, grants, and federal student loans. Colleges send each student who submits a FAFSA a detailed Financial Aid Award letter outlining which types and how much financial aid the student can expect to help cover their educational costs. The only way to know exactly how much Financial Aid you qualify for is to fill out and submit a FAFSA.
How do I fill out a FAFSA?
Filling out the FAFSA is FREE, only takes about 25 minutes to complete, and can be submitted electronically on a desktop computer, a tablet, or through a free mobile app called myStudentAid. Students and parents can download the myStudentAid mobile app from both the Apple App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android).
Does FAFSA have a deadline?
There are several FAFSA priority deadlines that you need to be aware of (the deadline for your state, a federal deadline, and an institutional deadline -- see below for more info on school specific deadlines.) The Federal deadline for the 20-21 FAFSA is June 30, 2021. Institutional FAFSA deadlines will vary by school, but can be as early as December 1, 2019. North Carolina's state FAFSA priority deadline is as soon as possible after October 1, 2019.
The best way for you to ensure that you meet each of these deadlines, and that you are considered for the most federal and state aid, is to complete your FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1.
CSS/FINANCIAL AID PROFILE
The College Board’s CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE® is an online application that collects information used by almost 400 colleges and scholarship programs to award financial aid from sources outside of the federal government. Check your Crosby Scholars student portal to view a list of colleges that require the PROFILE®.
PROFILE applications can be accessed beginning October 1. You will complete the Fall 2020/Spring 2021 PROFILE®.
The PROFILE Application is customized for the student and his or her family following registration. It contains questions about the student's and parents' households, income, assets, and expenses. Applicants are provided with step-by-step instructions and a customized Pre-Application Worksheet. (student.collegeboard.org/css)
Don't miss our upcoming Crosby Senior Academies on Completing the FAFSA & Finding Scholarship Opportunities
Academy Title: CSA #9A - Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Learn exactly what information is necessary to complete the form correctly, and find out how the IRS can help you for a change with the Data Retrieval Tool (DRT)! **Registration in the Crosby Scholars Student Portal is required**
Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Location: Benton Convention Center, Room: will be announced (this will be held during the College Fair)
Date: September 30, 2019
We encourage you to bring a parent with you; however, your parent cannot earn the CSA credit for you. You must attend this academy to earn a CSA credit.
Academy Title: CSA #10A - Scholarships: An Avenue for Funding Your College Education
Learn from a Scholarships Coordinator how to explore ways to research and apply for scholarships, including, but not limited to, scholarship opportunities unique to Crosby Scholars. **Registration in the Crosby Scholars Student Portal is required**
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Location: Benton Convention Center, Room: will be announced (this will be held during the College Fair)
Date: September 30, 2019
If you attend this academy, you will be eligible to apply for the $300 Harry Scofield Memorial Book Scholarship!
We encourage you to bring a parent with you; however, your parent cannot earn the CSA credit for you. You must attend this academy to earn a CSA credit.
UNC School System FAFSA Priority Filing Deadlines
Make sure you know the institutional deadline for your school! Filing out and submitting your FAFSA by a school's Institutional priority deadline is the best way to ensure you will be considered for the most federal and state financial aid funds.
UNC School System FAFSA Priority Filing Dates
- North Carolina A&T State University -- December 1st
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro -- December 1st
- University of North Carolina at Wilmington -- January 1st
- Western Carolina University -- January 1st
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte -- March 1st
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill -- March 1st
- Eastern Carolina University -- March 1st
- University of North Carolina at Asheville -- March 1st
- University of North Carolina at Pembroke -- March 1st
- Winston Salem State University -- March 1st
- Appalachian State University -- March 1st
- Elizabeth City State University -- March 1st
- North Carolina State University -- March 1st
- North Carolina Central University -- March 15th
If you do not see your school listed, you can find their FAFSA priority deadline by checking the Financial Aid section of their website.
WSFCS Financial Aid Night
Don't miss your chance for FREE one-on-one help. Don't forget to bring your 2018 tax information!
Download the myStudentAid mobile app
The myStudentAid app is the only app where you can fill out and submit the FAFSA.
With myStudentAid, you can apply for financial aid for college and keep tabs on the amount of federal student aid you use in the future.
Key Features of myStudentAid
- Application: Begin, complete, and submit a new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for the 2020-21 school year.
- Customization: Answer questions and see customized guidance based on who you are – a student, parent, or preparer
- Help: Get help and tips as you complete the FAFSA form
- Security: Know your information is secure with the same data protections used for the FAFSA form on fafsa.gov
Crosby Scholars Community Partnership
Email: awilson@crosbyscholars.org
Website: www.crosbyscholars.org
Location: 2701 University Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
Phone: 336-725-5371
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrosbyScholars?fref=ts
Twitter: @CrosbyScholars