The first step toward receiving financial aid is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, or FAFSA, and College Goal Sunday helps students do just that. February 12 is a day set aside across the state when financial advisers meet one-on-one with students and parents.
"We can help prospective college students and their parents by answering questions or we can help them complete the entire form," said Jo Ann Litton, assistant director of financial aid at Grand Valley State University.
The FAFSA form is the primary document for determining most loans, grants and other aid nationwide. Litton said many families overestimate the cost of college and underestimate how much financial aid helps. She said students should fill out the form even if they are unsure about college because a decision can be made later about whether to accept the aid.
College Goal Sunday is February 12 at 2 p.m. at theses local sites:
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Grand Rapids
Grand Valley State University-Pew Campus
125A DeVos
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Holland
Davenport University/Room 214
643 S. Waverly Rd.
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Muskegon
Muskegon High School/Cafeteria
80 W. Southern Ave.
Note: Parents or students should bring their families completed 2005 IRS 1040 tax return if possible and W-2 records.
MEDIA INTERVIEWS: contact Jo Ann Litton at (616) 331-3234 or Grand Valley News and Information Services at (616) 331-2221.
College Goal Sunday is sponsored by the Michigan Student Financial Aid Association and Partnership for Learning. Visit www.MICollegeGoal.org for more information.
