High School Counselor Day November 2013

1. High School Counselor DayNovember 2013 Financial Aid Session Presenter: Connie Barton, M. Ed Shasta College-Director of Financial Aid

2. Shasta College-Financial Aid WebsiteHOME PAGE Get www.shastacollege.edu/fa Online NOT IN LINE

3. Shasta College-Financial Aid WebsiteHIGH SCHOOL SENIOR PAGE www.shastacollege.edu/fa_seniors

4. THE FINANCIAL AID PROCESS: Step 1- • Submit a Shasta College application online Step 2- • Starting January 1st of every year, submit the FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov (attend a Cash For College Night!)

5. THE FINANCIAL AID PROCESS: Step 3- • Submit your High School FINAL transcripts to Admissions and Records, as soon as possible! Step 4- • Attend a Shasta College Orientation-learn more in depth information on Financial Aid process

6. THE FINANCIAL AID PROCESS: Step 5- • Once Shasta College has received students FAFSA, an email is sent to students from the FA Office • Go online to ‘My Shasta’ and check ‘My Documents’ to see what is needed to submit to the FA Office Step 6- • March-Financial Aid Office starts accepting documents for financial aid processing for the next academic year

7. THE FINANCIAL AID PROCESS-‘IMPORTANT DATES/DEADLINES’ December- Check Shasta College High School Scholarship listings January 1st-FAFSA becomes available for next academic year March 2nd- Entitlement Cal Grant (submit FAFSA and verified GPA to Cal Grant by this deadline March-Financial Aid Office starts accepting documents for next academic year May-Registration for Fall semester begins August-Students receive a Higher One Card (to access $$$) -Fall scholarships and loans open -Fall semester begins September 2nd- Competitive Cal Grant (submit FAFSA and verified GPA to Cal Grant by this deadline)

8. THE FINANCIAL AID PROCESS-ProcessingTimeframes- Estimated Shasta College Financial Aid Office Processing ​Timeframes- March 1st - April 30th ​………………………….2 to 3 weeks ​May 1st - June 30th ​ .…………………………3 to 5 weeks ​July 1st - October 30th ​………………………….6 to 8 weeks (August is our busiest time!) November 1st - December 31st …………….​3 to 5 weeks ​January 1st - February 28th ………………….2 to 4 weeks • Timeframes vary dependent on the number of files received​ • Submitting your paperwork during the March 1st-April 20th ensures the quickest processing time

9. THE FINANCIAL AID PROCESS: Tips for ensuring financial aid is not delayed: • Apply early • Submit ALL documents needed in May • Keep checking ‘My Documents’ until everything says processed • Check email for updates • Follow up and ask questions if necessary

10. THE FINANCIAL AID PROCESS-‘INDEPENDENT STUDENTS’ INDEPENDENT STATUS REQUEST FORM: -Submit for unusual family circumstances -Form found at www.shastacollege.edu/fa_istat Vs. HOMELESS HIGH SCHOOL LIAISON- -Every High School has a designated liaison -Submit homeless verification letter

11. Federal and State Financial Aid Recent Changes: • California Dream Act of 2011 • Opened up State Grants for undocumented individuals in CA • Undocumented students must have their GPA verified and sent to Cal Grant by March 2nd • Submit prior year graduates GPA by March 2nd More info at: www.shastacollege.edu/fa_dream

12. Federal and State Financial Aid Recent Changes: • Registered Domestic Partners- IRS Filing Status • Starting in the 2013 tax filing year, RDP’s can file in a “married” status • Both partners financial information must be included on the FAFSA/Dream Application • Future guidelines will be provided by the Department of Education

13. Shasta College-Financial Aid WebsiteONLINE FINANCIAL AID PRESENTATION www.shastacollege.edu/fa_....

14. PLAN AHEAD GO ONLINE FOLLOW THROUGH DON’T BE LATE!

15. End of Presentation Connie Barton Director of Financial Aid cbarton@shastacollege.edu 530-242-7719