Meramec hosts Financial Aid workshop
BY: TYRA LEESMAN
Print Editor-in-Chief
Incoming and returning post-secondary students across the nation have begun logging into the federal website and gathering their tax return documents in
preparation for applying for federal student aid. Many Missouri colleges will be hosting events called “FAFSA Frenzy” to aid students in the sometimes-confusing process of sorting out their financial requirements and needs, as well as filling out the appropriate forms and providing necessary verifications.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is an online form that students and families submit to the government to request federal grants, loans, and work-study funds for college.
“It’s basically this online application you fill out that helps you get money for school,” said Maria Dames, an STLCC student. “If your parents take care of you and you live with them, they usually fill it out with their tax information, but if you live on your own and have a job, you have to do it. And that’s really scary! I don’t even know how I did my taxes. I never know what I’m supposed to be entering [into the FAFSA].”
FAFSA Frenzy is a nationwide attempt to aid students in the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
“Many students are unaware of the scholarships and grants available to them when they apply for aid. FAFSA Frenzy is an effort to approach the application process with a few more options. We will be having several of these events of the next few weeks. So students and families who would like a little help with filling out the FAFSA, and maybe need a little coaching on the process and requirements should stop by,” said Lindsey Merriman, a student assisting an incoming Freshman at Meramec’s recent FAFSA Frenzy event.
The 2019-2020 FAFSA became available to begin filing on October 1, 2018.
Students who wish to receive federal loans, scholarships and work-study funding for college must fill out the application and are encouraged to do so sooner rather than later to avoid delays in approval.
FAFSA Frenzy is a volunteer-run program, and those wishing to volunteer should complete a registration by visiting http://surveys.mo.gov/index.php/638975.
High schools, colleges, and community organizations who might wish to host a FAFSA Frenzy event should email inquiries to journeytocollege.dhe.mo.gov.
Students who would like assistance with filling out their FAFSA may attend the November 7 event at the Harison Education Center.
According to the STLCCNOW website, students can expect to be helped by a professional to complete the form, and should be prepared by bringing Federal Student Aid Identification information for themselves or their parents, W2s, social security cards or equivalent and a list of schools to which the student has applied or that interest them.
Saint Louis Community College’s school code for the FAFSA is 002469.
