Thomas Jefferson Future Center
Important news about college and career access
April 4, 2016 Newsletter
In This Issue:
- Making Your College Choice
- How to Navigate Being on the Waitlist
- Scholarship Opportunities
- College Tour Photos
- Completing the FAFSA Step-By-Step
- FAFSA Completion Resources
Making Your College Choice
So you got into college...now what?
1) You may know exactly where you want to go, but need help figuring out how you can afford it.
OR
2) You may not be sure where you want to go or how to decide on just one school.
If you recognize yourself in either of these scenarios, read on! We've got some resources just for you.
ARTICLES
- 5 Things You Shouldn't Base College Decisions On
- How to Narrow Down College Choices
- 3 Signs You're Ready to Commit to a College
- You Got Accepted to College? Now What?
IN PERSON ADVISING
- Visit the Future Center any school day between 8AM-3PM for one-on-one advising about college choice, understanding your financial aid awards, or any other questions you have.
- Every Tuesday in the month of April from 3-4PM, the Future Center will be open for advising related to college choice and financial aid.
- If your parent would like to speak with an advisor, they may call (804) 213-2423 to speak with Ms. Hofbauer or they can make an appointment to visit the Future Center at a time that is convenient for them.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR FINANCIAL AID WORKSHEETS
How to Navigate Being on the Waitlist
Got waitlisted? Here are some things you can do to increase your chances!
1. Research Your Chances of Admission
2. Express Continued Interest
3. Market Yourself
4. Move Forward
5. Consider the Cost of Acceptance
College Tour Day
At Christopher Newport University
At Hampton University
At Old Dominion University
Completing the FAFSA Step-By-Step
Many schools have FAFSA deadlines coming up on March 15 so in order to maximize the amount of money you are awarded, you should get started on your application now!
STEP 1: Go to http://fsaid.ed.gov and create a username and password called an FSA ID.
STEP 2: Verify your email by entering the secure code.
STEP 3: Login using your username and password at http://fafsa.gov and start a 2016-17 FAFSA application.
STEP 4: Respond to the questions about you and your parents. If your parents have not filed their 2015 taxes yet, they should use their 2014 information to estimate their earnings for 2015 and submit your FAFSA now rather than waiting until they file their 2015 taxes. They will be able to update your information later.
STEP 5: Your parent creates an FSA ID and you both sign the FAFSA electronically using your FSA IDs.
STEP 6: Make sure that the FAFSA processes successfully. You should receive an email within 1 week confirming that it processed successfully (this is different from just submitting the application). You can also login to http://fafsa.gov to check the status of your application. Once you see that it has processed successfully, print a copy of your Student Aid Report and bring it to the Future Center (room 104) so we can make sure there are no errors!
STEP 7: Watch this video about what happens after you submit the FAFSA.
FAFSA Completion Resources
Help! I don't know how to complete my FAFSA!
1) The Future Center (Room 104) - Staff is available in the Future Center Monday through Friday from 8am-4pm to answer questions, work with you on your application, or meet with your parents to assist them. You can reach the Future Center director to set up an appointment or ask a question by phone or text at 804-213-2423 or by email at futurecenter.tjhs@gmail.com.
2) GRASP Advisor - Ms. Phenie Golatt is a trained financial aid advisor who is available most Tuesdays during the school day to answer questions, work with you on your application, or meet with your parents to assist them. You can reach Ms. Golatt by email at tj@grasp4virginia.com.
3) School Counselor - Your school counselor is also able to assist you with completing your FAFSA application.
4) Watch this quick video that explains the entire Financial Aid Process: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/sites/default/files/financial-aid-process.wmv
Thomas Jefferson HS Future Center
Email: futurecenter.tjhs@gmail.com
Website: http://rpseducationfoundation.org/?page_id=278
Location: 4100 West Grace Street, Richmond, VA, United States
Phone: (804) 213-2423