[jenjenyaj]

Greetings everyone. Just a quick background about myself. I am currently a financial aid analyst at a public university. I offered my assistance to Brandon to help answer some questions. You may PM me if you need more clarification. I will do my best to answer your questions.

Jenny

********

Hmmmm. My financial aid covers more than 3/4 of my costs and I'm taking out loans for the rest. Does that mean I can just sit back, relax, and not have to worry about anything? The aid will just be distributed when it's time and yeahh? Get what I'm saying?

Pretty much your cost of attendance are covered by financial aid. Just be aware that you should monitor it just in case any holds are place to prevent your disbursement. Also keep in mind to maintain good academics. There are such a thing as financial aid probation and disqualification, similar to academic probation and disqualification.

*****************

i have a question about borrowing loans and lenders. ive been receiving a lot of stuff in the mail from places like chase, myrichuncle, wachovia etc. and i was wondering which ones are trustworthy and a good deal vs. shady ones. ive been hearing mixed reviews and im not sure who to believe.. ppl have been saying sallie mae is a rip off and some of the private lenders are good, but when i went to my fin aid counselor a couple of days ago, he told me to stay away from those type of lenders that ppl (from forums and stuff) say are good. what's ur personal opinion? are there any lenders you would recommend? i already have the stafford loan, but im looking for another loan. would it be better to apply for a parent loan, like the PLUS loan, or a student loan with a parent as a cosigner?

Taking a stafford student loan is the safest bet because the interest rate is fixed at 6.8%. Since you already have a stafford loan, you may want to consider the federal PLUS loan, assuming you are a dependent student. The interest rate for the PLUS is currently fixed at 8.5%. However, some parents may not want to pursue a PLUS. So you may want to discuss this option with your parents. They do run a credit check before they approved your parent for the PLUS loan. However, if your parent are denied the PLUS loan, you can then request for additional stafford loan, but it will be unsubsidized loans only.

If you decide you would like to take a private loan instead, you will need to do extensive research to find one that best for you. Note that websites and brochures from lenders do not give you the current interest rates and often do not tell you all of the possible loan fees. Once you have determined a lender, call them or go online to obtain the information regarding these questions:
-What is the current interest rate?
-Is the interest rate fixed or variable? If variable, how frequently does the rate change? Is there a maximum interest rate or cap?
-Is the loan adjusted based on the rate change? For example, will interest be capitalized (added to the principal) or will the repayment term or amount be adjusted?
-Is the rate offered for a limited time only? For example, is it an introductory rate? What happens after the initial rate ends?
-What loan fees are charged? When and how are loan fees paid?
-What is the total cost of the loan over the life of the loan? Ask the lender to help you calculate the total repayment amount of the loan, including all interest costs and fees on top of the amount you actually borrow.

***************

How long does it take for a grant/scholarship to go into the Financial Aid system for the school? I did not get the Rhode Island Scholarship until like last week, and it still has not been entered into my Financial Aid. It still has not changed. How long till the school will be notified?

Give it some time, about 3-4 weeks. Usually the financial aid office is notified and may place an estimated scholarship on your award letter. Once they received the scholarship money, then it will be disburse. If there's been no update, you may want to contact the scholarship organization first to confirm whether it has been mailed or not and when. Then contact your financial aid office or scholarship office to see if they received the scholarship.

*****************

Hello Brandon
First of all, this thread is very helpful but I have a few more personalized questions of my own that I need help answering.

My parents do not work and have no real personal income of their own. My sisters occasionally help them out because they are very old. This year from January until the end of July, I had a part time job waitressing. However, my parents made me stop working because I was making a lot of money and they did not want me to exceed $6400 for my gross income for the year. I guess I have to file independently on my taxes or I have to pay taxes if I make more than that amount. Anyway, they were worried that if I exceeded this amount of money and had to start paying taxes, I would not receive a better financial aid package for next year. I am in a dilemma because even though I made about $5800 this year, I'm only coming out with $2000 to bring to school because of car payments and such. I would like to work during school part-time so I will have some spending money and what not but my parents don't want me to. And I do not want to ask them for money.

You may want to consider Federal Workstudy, if it is offered to you. For financial aid purposes, money earned during federal workstudy will not count against you for the following academic year. They take into consideration that money earn during workstudy was used toward educational expenses in the prior year. Thus, it will not be counted towards your EFC for next year.

************

Ok, so I was wondering....

How does one qualify for the work-study program? I know that there's a checkbox on the FAFSA sheet and I've checked YES twice...freshman and now sophmore year. Yet, I never received an 'offer' for work-study. I know it also factors in the amount of money your parents make... so..o_O, how or what is the minimum your parents must make in order to qualify one for the program? =\

Thanks for your time!

Yes, checking the box is the first step. Federal Workstudy is a need base award. You have to have financial need in order to be offered. However, be aware that workstudy money is limited. So it sometimes is a first-come first-serve basis. If you aren't offered workstudy, but would like to be consider, you may want to contact your financial aid office and see if they have a form to request workstudy. Some offices do have this option, but some may not. There is no way to give an exact number of parent income because many things are factored into the EFC.

*************

Hello,
I have a question regarding my financial aid package.

Last year I received a Federal Perkins loan and this year (I'm going to be a second-year) I didn't
receive it at all.

According to the qualifications, I believe I did everything (filled out FAFSA) and also maintained my
academic GPA.

Can there be some other reason why the Perkins loan wasn't offered to me this year?

Thanks again and I really appreciate you doing this.

Perkin loans are institutional loans. So there is a limited amount that is available. It is also a need base award. And usually awarded if there is still need after a federal loan is offered. So the reason maybe because you are a second year, which makes you have a higher federal loan eligibility now than when you were a first year. Loan amount has also increased this year. For instance, last year, a first year was only eligible for $2625 per academic year and a second year was only eligible for $3500. This year, due to loan eligibility increase, a first year is eligible for $3500 per academic year and a second year is now eligible for $4500. So that's a jump of $1875 additional from federal loans. So you may not have a need for the perkin loan anymore.

***************

Hi, im getting a subsidized federal Stafford loan for the first time and i need to pick a lender.. Out of these lenders which should i choose?? Will it matter?

Sallie Mae
All Student Loan Corp
College Board
Bank Of America
Chase Manhattan Bank
Wachovia
EFSI
Sun Trust Bank
Southwest Student Services
Wells Fargo
U.S. Bank Northwest.

All the subsidized federal stafford loan have the fixed 6.8% interest rate. The only difference, assuming you are with the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program, is the repayment benefits that each bank is offereing. Usually, they offer incentives for on-time payments. These are what you should look at and see which ones offers the best repayment benefits to you.

**************

Hi. I'm a first time college student. I've already paid for my fall semester classes(fal 07) out of my pocket. I haven't signed up for Financial Aid yet thinking I've got this semester taking care of myself.

1)But will it be too late for me to apply for it now(for spring semester and so on('08))?

2)I've applied for a PIN already , what must I do next? My PIN will expired on a certain date, will I need to remake another PIN?

3)Can I Complete my online application and then wait for a respond? The application seems quite difficult to fill out. Please help, greatly appreciated.

Sorry for asking so many questions, I've never done this before.

1) It's not too late to apply for the FAFSA. The FAFSA is for the full academic year, from Fall 2007 to Summer 2008.

2) If you applied for the PIN, you should either receive an email notice to retrieve it or a notice in the mail, depending on your method of notification. The PIN can be used year after year, but after 18 months of inactivity, you’ll have to reactivate or reapply.

3) It is recommended that you complete your FAFSA online. You can save the information you've inputted and come back later to complete the application. You can also come back to sign the FAFSA when you've received your PIN. Also, you can always go back to your online application to look over the information. If you are a dependent student, you must provide your parents' information and also have your parents sign it, preferably with a PIN. Although the application may seem daunting and difficult, it's not too hard if you read the information. If there is a particular section or question you are confuse about, please specify and I will do my best to explain it.

[jenjenyaj]

I'm new here, found this forum after doing non-stop researching and phone calls, and I am hoping to find an answer soon. My question is: What lenders are there for Yonsei University? Yonsei no longer participates in the FFEL/Stafford/GGL program, so it has been extremely difficult for me to find a lender.

Any help would be greatly appreciate! Thank you!

I don't know what lenders there are for Yonsei University, but you may want to check these other programs for international student loans.
- Signature Student Loans
- Global Health Loan Program
- MBA Private Loans
- LAWLOANS Private Loan
- Tuition Answer Loans

Just be aware that some these are private loans.

****************

hey Mr. Kim! i have a question....
so if i have a part time job... well, not really a part time job because i only work about 6hrs per week... and let's say if my salaries is around the $100-200 range... would that affect my chance of getting a financial aid or grant or my EFC? (i kno that someone had asked something similar to this... but i want to know if this have like an income limit or something like that?)
and i would also like to kno if the loans and grants or financial aid programs are going to search through our college application for all the info that we've wote on our finanical aid application? like.. would they search for if we have any part time jobs and the income that we get from it?
and lastly... which kind of finiancial aid program/ grant or loan program is the best? (in ur opinion)
by the way, i live in california

thanx for your help!
sorry if my questions sounds stupid

The $100-$200, if it's what you make in a month, is not going to be detrimental to your financial aid. Your EFC takes multiple factors into consideration to come up with the calculated number. But your wages are not too high to have a dramatic effect. The financial aid office goes off the information you provided on your FAFSA. However, be aware of the verification process. This process allows the financial aid office to request documentation to verify the information inputted on to the FAFSA. If you are selected for verification, you must submit the documentation before you can receive an award letter. The FAFSA allows a student to apply for federal grants, federal workstudy, and federal loans. Grants are money that does not require a student to pay back. Workstudy is money that students earn through work to help pay for cost of education. Federal loans are money borrowed by the student, which the student is then responsible to pay back later. Financial aid awards through the federal government and the school are the best awards to consider.

*****************

i missed the deadline for fafsa for winter 08
but i should still fill out fafsa for spring yes?

It's not too late. You can still apply.

************

Well my school starts next week and I haven't app'd for Financial Aid, would it be too late to to app?

It's not too late. You can still apply.

************

Hi Brandon,

My question concerns my boyfriend's financial aid dillemma. He filed his 2007-08 fafsa already and turned in most of the paper works that his college required him, except for one: non-filing tax form. His mom doesn't work and has no source of income. His mother called up IRS and explained that she needs the form, but the form never made it to his house and the deadlines for all paper works arrived 2 months ago. Now what do you propose him or his mom do? Should they call IRS again and ask for the form? If they do get the form, can he still turn it in for his spring semster so that he can recieve some grants...maybe?


Thank you very much for taking your time out answering mine and everyone's questions. THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOOO MUCHHHHHH

They can contact IRS or they can fill out the form 4506-T and mark #7 (Verification of Nonfiling) and submit it to the IRS. Here's the link to the PDF file: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506t.pdf . He can still submit documents to the office. And he can still receive financial aid.

[brandonbkim]

Greetings everyone. Just a quick background about myself. I am currently a financial aid analyst at a public university. I offered my assistance to Brandon to help answer some questions. You may PM me if you need more clarification. I will do my best to answer your questions.

Jenny

********


Awesome job Jenny! I just want to add one thing to the 2 people who had questions about the stafford loans and lenders. As Jenny mentioned, stafford loans are now fixed and have a same interest for everyone across the board regardless of credit. However you may need to pick a lender that will handle the stafford loans for you. If this is your situation, you may want to pick sallie mae because they are currently waiving the origination fee, which means whatever you take out from the staffords will go directly to the school without having any fees deducted.

[lazibratt]

I'm going to be an incoming freshman for the 08-09 school year
In order to get financial aid via scholarships, I would need to fill out
FAFSA
CAL GRANTS
CSS Profile
Is that it? or do I have to do some extra work specifically for the schools that I'm applying to?

[atalamarche10]

hi, im currently a freshman at a private lib arts uni
right now..they're giving me enough money that i need
i was just wondering, if my efc stays the same and im in good academics, there's no way
that they can "take away" my grants right?

[chiluvskk]

I'm going to be an incoming freshman for the 08-09 school year
In order to get financial aid via scholarships, I would need to fill out
FAFSA
CAL GRANTS
CSS Profile
Is that it? or do I have to do some extra work specifically for the schools that I'm applying to?

same question as above and also my dad makes $40,000 a year,my mom stays at home (no work), we have 3 members in our family, do you know approximately how much in grants and loans will i get for the UCs and USC?
oh and we have no assets as well lol

thanks a lot!!

[Sweetraindrops]

When do colleges school open in PA after the NEW YEAR'S EVE..?

I know the students have off and such, but what about the schools..?

I have fafsa paperwork that i needed to fix and hand in so i could get fafsa.. I want to hand them in asap.. so when will the schools be opened?

I couldnt get fafsa last year, so im hoping i'll get it this year by applying early and such.

Also, what majors provide the MOST $$ once you graduate?

[jphase]

My dad told me that I need to do some paper work to get money for school. I haven't done this before so I don't know what I need to do or where to do them. Can you help me please? thanks!

[sweet_symphony]

Hi,

I am interested in learning how to apply for financial aid for grad student. Can you tell me more about it? Normally when is the time that I should apply and what are the typical loaning process that I have to go through because I know that for grad students they often received more loans than grants. Will the loan cover the rest of the academic years or I have to seek for private loans? Plus does the financial aid for grad student income-based? For my 1st grad year I am expected to pay tuition per quarter so I am a little bit worry about not being able to make the tuition payment in time if I do not get enough financial support from the government. Thanks.

[songielove]

Hello!
First of all, thank you both for providing assistance in clearing things up.

I just have a quick question:
How do you renew your FAFSA application?
I went on the site and entered in all my verification information and it brings me to a page saying that they already have my application on file.
What does that mean? I haven't submitted the 2008-2009 application personally yet. >_<

Once again, thank you!!

[kawaiimomo]

I have already completed my 2007-2008 financial aid last year, but how do I renew my financial aid for this year 2008-2009?? Do I have to reapply for financial aid?? and would my cal grant go with the financial aid??

[jenjenyaj]

I was wondering, exactly how do I use my financial aid to pay for bills? I mean I already have bills billed to my account like close to $4,000 and I have no clue on how to pay for it. All I know is that I got financial aid and it's there but my bills are marked as unpay and I just go...what the cow heck!!!

The deadline to pay the bill is coming quick. Please help me...pretty please.

If there are no holds and you have accepted your financial aid awards, your financial aid should be released to pay your fees. Financial aid is usually release about a week before fees are due. It varies from school to school though. Double check on the fee deadline to ensure that your fees are paid before that date.

********************

O_O when i saw this thread, I thought WOW YOU ARE A LIFESAVER FOR SURE!

Anyways, I'm a bit panicky and just confused right now about my direct subsidized loan.
I'm an incoming college freshmen this year at a private university !
And the thing is I will be borrowing a direct subsidized loan of $3,500

I read up there that interest doesn't kick in till after university ends.
So my question is this...

If I borrow, let's just say for example, $20,000 for all 4 years...and I pay RIGHT after university is over, or at least pay them all off when they request I pay them....would I only pay $20,000 or...do I have to pay interest?

My mother tells me her friend's daughter had the same loan and they just paid all of it off right after college with no interest involved.
I see a fee of $11 on my financial aid next to the loan though. My mother thinks I should borrow this amount but I think we should just pay it off every year instead of getting a loan and going through stupid paperwork ; I mean, For a university that costs almost $30,000 to go to...i've received alot of grants and other non-loan things (work study grant for example) ...to pay off almost all but roughly $4,500 - $5,000.

So another question is, should I cancel this loan or not? T_T;
- I don't prefer loans just because of interest...and I don't know how this one works...despite reading all the rights and such @_@
- Mother thinks I should so we can have money at hand to buy other things. We're not a rich family, so mostly my grades and my family's income gave me alot of money.

I write too much @_@;
Thank you in advance!!! ^^;

For subsidized loans, interest does not accrue until 6 months after you graduate (or leave the school). This 6 months is called your grace period. So if you pay your loan in full before interest accrues, you will just be paying the loan money borrow without the interest. Interest will start to accrue after your 6 months grace period, based on the amount left. It is a personal decision whether to accept or decline the loan. Keep in mind that if you decline it but later find that you need the money, you can always contact your financial aid offer to have the loan re-offered to you.

*************

I have another question:

Is it better to have work study?

Work study is another resource to help you pay for your college education. In order to receive work study money, you have to find a work study job, usually on-campus, although there are some off-campus positions as well. Work study can be beneficial by providing you another source of income, if you have the time. Work-Study income (although taxable) does not affect your future financial aid eligibility. So it won't hurt you to have work study.

***************

how do i declare independent from my parents? so does that mean they cannot pay anyTHING for me? and do i have to move out of their house? can i just stay at HOME but PAY the water and electrical bills?

please ~~ help me cuz fafsa is not helping me at all :*(

Per federal regulations, you are dependent of your parents, unless you can answer yes to one of these questions AT THE TIME of your FAFSA.
- Were you born before January 1, 1984?
- At the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year, will you be working on a master's or doctorate program?
- As of today, are you married?
- Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?
- Do you have dependents who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2008?
- Are (a) both of your parents deceased, or ( are you (or were you until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court?
- Are you currently serving on active duty in the US Armed Forces for purposes other than training?
- Are you a verteran of the US Armed Force?

I know that's a long list of questions, but those are the federal guidelines to determine your dependency status. You are not consider independent unless you can answer YES to one of those questions, even if you are financially independent. If you have a extreme circumstance in which you believe you should be independent, you will have to discuss this with your financial aid office to determine if they can give you independent status. But only in rare and extreme cases will they make exemptions.

**************

wellz i went through all the pages and looked for cal grants but nothing that's my question

My friends are receiving cal grants but i'm not. all i get is the Pell grant and UC grant, no scholorships and a bunch of loans. i'm almost positive that my friend's parents make more than my parents do but she gets more financial aid than i do, and she get the cal grant while i don't. why is this? i'm a canadian citizen and i think i've heard that cal grants are for us citizens only, is this true? if i became a us citizen very quickly could i receive cal grants for next year? (my 3rd yr in college right now, heard that after 4 yrs they stop giving cal grants) or is the difference between our financial aid just how the system works?

These are the general requirement for Cal Grant:

Be California residents
Be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens
Meet U.S. Selective Service requirements
Attend an eligible California qualifying postsecondary institution
Be enrolled at least half-time
Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined at school of attendance
Have family income and assets below the established ceilings
Not be in default on any student loan
Not owe any federal or state grant refund

Since you have never received Cal Grant, you will have to have a GPA verification completed by your school and be sure to submit your FAFSA by March 2nd. For further information, you may want to check out their website at www.csac.ca.gov or call CSAC (California Student Aid Commission) at 1-888-224-7268.

***************

thank goshness for you!

question: im planning to study abroad this coming up summer,
will i get anything from financial aid to help me? do i have to apply?
what should i do for financial help? i dont want to take out a loan to go abroad if i dont have to.
one question on the program application is:
will your home school be distributing your financial while you're on the program?
and im sure my greedy as* school wont help me much.
but i dont want to be too sure and send in the application wrong.

well, duh, but i havent talked to my advisor yet.
(trust me.... i pay hella much to come here, they aint help me jack!)
but then that's another story.

so. summer abroad, where to get finanical help?
there's a scholarship, but say i dont get it. what do i do?

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

You will have to talk to your financial aid office. If the program is through your home school, there should be some help through financial aid, although it might be loans. If it's an outside program, there's no guarantee that your home school will be able to provide any assistance. Your best bet is to talk to a financial aid advisor at your school.

[Brusky]

I haven't read all of the questions/replies here, but I think my situation's a bit more unique than some of the others here.


I went to a community college for my first 3 years (and received Cal and Pell Grants) and I'm currently in my 4th year of college at an art school (where I only have sophomore standing). I received a letter saying that my Cal Grants are going to run out soon (5 year limit?) and I'm curious whether or not I can renew my opportunities for grants being that I now attend a private 4-year institution.

If anyone has any answers, that'd be greatly appreciated. Thanks. =]

[jphase]

Hi I'm filing Fafsa for the first time and ran into a question.

the section that says 'Your Finances' it asks question about bussiness and income and stuff. would I just put 0 for all the questions regarding income bussiness etc since i don't have a job or anything? and what about the filing for tax, i should just put 'will not file' right?

this stuff is really stressful thank you so much.

[jenjenyaj]

quick question
my brother works in as a financial aid adviser at a public college (UCLA) so he was able to help me with a lotta stuff, but he's a student adviser so he ran out of options to tell me. basically i understand all the gist of what's going on. after my financial package (same as his) is packaged, I still have a lot of money I need to pay on my own. After loans (unsub, sub, parent plus), grants (pell, calgrant, university grant), scholarships, my PC is about $7000 (parent contribution). the PC is high because we own a house in LA even tho we bought it LOOONG time ago when the houses were really cheap. we can't do a pc appeal because the pc is based accurately on what we make right now, but still there is NOO way my parents can afford that much amount of money. we already looked into things we can do, and the only thing left is getting a private loan. the thing is, my parents are okay with getting this private loan but that is our LAST priority. i'm working like.. full time (about 20 hours a week now even tho im a sr) and im still using that money to pay for the rest of college applications and help out with the bills. is there any way i can earn some more money?? Are their any scholarships i can apply for for my particular situation?

There are no other way of getting federal money because the second house is seen as part of your parents' asset. As for scholarship, you will have to do that on your own. I have not heard of one for your particular situation. You may be able to make do with what has been offered to you. Every school has a budget, which estimate what the cost of attendence would cost a student for that academic year. However, that budget is not true for all students. Some students acquire less cost of expenses, and some acquire more expenses. Each student is different. The only number that stays the same for students is the cost of tuition/registration. Housing, food, transportation (to name a few) varies from student to student.

****************

I'm going to be an incoming freshman for the 08-09 school year
In order to get financial aid via scholarships, I would need to fill out
FAFSA
CAL GRANTS
CSS Profile
Is that it? or do I have to do some extra work specifically for the schools that I'm applying to?

You may want to contact your school in regards to scholarship. But for California state aid, complete the Cal Grant by having your high school submit a GPA verification and be sure to complete the FAFSA by March 2nd. For Federal aid, complete the FAFSA.

Keep in mind that after completing the FAFSA, some student may be selected for verification. Verification is a process that requires students to submit documents to the school's financial aid office to verify information inputted on the FAFSA. So once you have accepted your admissions to the school, follow up on your FAFSA and check to see if there are any requirements at your school.

*********************

hi, im currently a freshman at a private lib arts uni
right now..they're giving me enough money that i need
i was just wondering, if my efc stays the same and im in good academics, there's no way
that they can "take away" my grants right?

For this academic year, your financial aid should stay the same, unless you've made changes to your FAFSA. Also, keep in mind that your financial aid probably reflects your status at full time enrollment. If your enrollment drops, like from a full-time to a part-time student, your financial aid may be affected. For next year, you will need to complete your FAFSA on time, depending on your school/state deadline. Some school are limited in the amount of grants money. So it becomes a matter of first come, first serve.

*********************

same question as above and also my dad makes $40,000 a year,my mom stays at home (no work), we have 3 members in our family, do you know approximately how much in grants and loans will i get for the UCs and USC?
oh and we have no assets as well lol

thanks a lot!!

It's hard to give you a breakdown of what you will receive. Each school varies because the cost of attendence vary from school to school. Some student may get a better award packet from one school than another. You will have to apply to the school and see what the schools offer you.

********************

When do colleges school open in PA after the NEW YEAR'S EVE..?

I know the students have off and such, but what about the schools..?

I have fafsa paperwork that i needed to fix and hand in so i could get fafsa.. I want to hand them in asap.. so when will the schools be opened?

I couldnt get fafsa last year, so im hoping i'll get it this year by applying early and such.

Also, what majors provide the MOST $$ once you graduate?

You will have to contact the school or go to the school's website to verfiy when the office opens back up. Some office usually open back up right after the New Year so that they may prepare for the upcoming semester.

********************

My dad told me that I need to do some paper work to get money for school. I haven't done this before so I don't know what I need to do or where to do them. Can you help me please? thanks!

Contact your financial aid office. You may have been selected for verification. If you are, you will have to turn in the requested documents before you can receive financial aid. In order to know what you need to do, you will need to contact your financial aid office.

*******************

Hi,

I am interested in learning how to apply for financial aid for grad student. Can you tell me more about it? Normally when is the time that I should apply and what are the typical loaning process that I have to go through because I know that for grad students they often received more loans than grants. Will the loan cover the rest of the academic years or I have to seek for private loans? Plus does the financial aid for grad student income-based? For my 1st grad year I am expected to pay tuition per quarter so I am a little bit worry about not being able to make the tuition payment in time if I do not get enough financial support from the government. Thanks.

You will need to complete the FAFSA. Complete it as soon as possible. Some schools may offer university grants to graduate students. However, these grants are usually need-based. Graduate students are no longer eligible for Pell grants. But the amount of loans increase as a graduate student. The limit a graduate student can get per academic year is $8,500 for subsidized loans and $10,000 for unsubsidized loans; a total of $18,500. Your lifetime loan limit as a graduate student is $138,500, with $65,500 max in subsidized loans.

*******************

Hello!
First of all, thank you both for providing assistance in clearing things up.

I just have a quick question:
How do you renew your FAFSA application?
I went on the site and entered in all my verification information and it brings me to a page saying that they already have my application on file.
What does that mean? I haven't submitted the 2008-2009 application personally yet. >_<

Once again, thank you!!

To renew your FAFSA, click on Fill Out A FAFSA. Then select 2008-2009 FAFSA. Enter your information. Then you should be given an option to use Pre-fill information, which is personal information from prior year.

In regards to your situation about your application on file, I suggest you contacting FAFSA directly at 1-800-433-3243. You may want to view what was submitted on your 2008-2009 FAFSA. You can also make changes to that application. But if you are concern about having an application on file, you should contact FAFSA.

[jenjenyaj]

I have already completed my 2007-2008 financial aid last year, but how do I renew my financial aid for this year 2008-2009?? Do I have to reapply for financial aid?? and would my cal grant go with the financial aid??

Students must reapply for financial aid each year. To renew your FAFSA, go to fafsa.ed.gov. Click on Fill Out A FAFSA. Select 2008-2009 FAFSA. Provide the requested information. Then select YES to pre-fill your application with personal information from prior year's application. Continue filing out the FAFSA until you have submitted it. For Cal Grant, if you are already receiving Cal Grant money for 2007-2008, be sure to complete your FAFSA by March 2nd.

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I haven't read all of the questions/replies here, but I think my situation's a bit more unique than some of the others here.


I went to a community college for my first 3 years (and received Cal and Pell Grants) and I'm currently in my 4th year of college at an art school (where I only have sophomore standing). I received a letter saying that my Cal Grants are going to run out soon (5 year limit?) and I'm curious whether or not I can renew my opportunities for grants being that I now attend a private 4-year institution.

If anyone has any answers, that'd be greatly appreciated. Thanks. =]

Cal Grant is a four-year grant program. Therefore, you can only receive Cal Grant in the equivalent of 4 years time. So if you received Cal Grant at community college for 3 years, you will only have 1 year worth of Cal Grant left. One exeption to this 4 year limit is if you are in a 5 year program that actually does require 5 years to complete. Then you can appeal to have an additional year of Cal Grant. But in your case, there's no way to get a renewal of your Cal Grant because you already received the funding at your community college.

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Hi I'm filing Fafsa for the first time and ran into a question.

the section that says 'Your Finances' it asks question about bussiness and income and stuff. would I just put 0 for all the questions regarding income bussiness etc since i don't have a job or anything? and what about the filing for tax, i should just put 'will not file' right?

this stuff is really stressful thank you so much.

If the questions asked does not apply to you, you may place a 0 in the space alloted. And if you do not plan to file, you can go ahead and answer that you will not file a tax return for 2007. If later you find out that you answered incorrectly to any questions, you can always go back and make corrections.

[christine101]

I have some questions, when filling out the FAFSA do i put down how much i earned from summer jobs? how much does it have to exceed for me to be required to file income tax. i find it weird, do students have to file income tax when im not even 18 yet. also if i put down an amount how does that affect my financial aid application. also does anyone actually check or search how much i earn for my summer job because i dont even remember myself. will i be in big trouble if i put the wrong amount or i put zero even though i did work in the summer? and should i put that i want loan and work study? i dont want to put that i want loans and they cut down on the amount of other money to give me. and for work study is it true that your parents have to pay the money in advance? and i dont want to put down that i want work study and they cut down on the amount of other grants to give me. is it possible to get enough financial aid without having loans and work study? do they figure out how much grants or money you dont have to pay back before they put in loans and work study? like if they give you grants or financial aid you dont have to pay back, do they only put in loans when they cant give you anymore of those grants.
also if i have a sister that files her own taxes because she is of age, and she is not under my parent's tax papers. She lives with us but i wouldnt say my provide her like full assistance or anything. do i count her as part of my household on the FAFSA

sorry for the loads of questions.thanks in advance.

[jenjenyaj]

I have some questions, when filling out the FAFSA do i put down how much i earned from summer jobs? how much does it have to exceed for me to be required to file income tax. i find it weird, do students have to file income tax when im not even 18 yet. also if i put down an amount how does that affect my financial aid application. also does anyone actually check or search how much i earn for my summer job because i dont even remember myself. will i be in big trouble if i put the wrong amount or i put zero even though i did work in the summer? and should i put that i want loan and work study? i dont want to put that i want loans and they cut down on the amount of other money to give me. and for work study is it true that your parents have to pay the money in advance? and i dont want to put down that i want work study and they cut down on the amount of other grants to give me. is it possible to get enough financial aid without having loans and work study? do they figure out how much grants or money you dont have to pay back before they put in loans and work study? like if they give you grants or financial aid you dont have to pay back, do they only put in loans when they cant give you anymore of those grants.
also if i have a sister that files her own taxes because she is of age, and she is not under my parent's tax papers. She lives with us but i wouldnt say my provide her like full assistance or anything. do i count her as part of my household on the FAFSA

sorry for the loads of questions.thanks in advance.

You must enter the amount you earned for your summer job. You can go ahead and esimate the amount for now and go back later to update the amount. You are required to file your tax return (1) if you made over $8750 for the year 2007 or (2) if you are claimed by your parents on their tax return and you made more than $5350 in 2007. Anyone who works and meet the IRS tax filing requirement is required to fill a tax return regardless of age. The amount you enter will be use to determine what your financial need will be for the next academic year. There is a process call Verification, in which your school's financial aid office will request that you submit documentation, such as tax returns, W-2s, etc, to verify the information inputted on your FAFSA. So they do check. You can estimate the amount for now and make corrections later. You will not be in trouble for estimating since you probably won't have your W-2s yet. You can always indicate that you are interested in student loans and workstudy. And if it's offered, you can always decline it later if you feel like you don't need it. Workstudy is federal money. Your parents do not contribute to it. Students are usually packaged with federal grants before they are offered federal loans and federal workstudy. But there is a max in federal grant money that a student can receive per academic year. Therefore, the loans are offered to cover the difference. If your sister is under the age of 24, is not married, and does not have any children, then you may count her in the household because per federal regulation, even though she is financially independence, she is still be consider a dependent of your parents.

[EYJAYJAY]

do you by any chance have info on specific grants or scholarships for college graduates getting ready for grad school? it's totally fine if they are linked to the government.. requiring me to do research or work for certain organizations. (not sure if it'll help, i'll have my BS in health sciences - physical therapy)

[saraluv7]

Thanks beforehand to the advisor helping me with this, I sincerely am!
First off, my mind is totally boggled and confused as to what to do next because everything is so complicated in college...
I've been to a community college where I am planning to return this spring 2008.
1. Is it an ok idea to take 2 classes instead of 3 at one time? Does this affect my records or will college admissions think I'm deficient in my intelligence if I do that? I'm hoping it won't matter at all.
2. I am doing a transfer program that gets me a AA degree in arts and sciences which is basically the same as a 2 year college degree then going for the bachelors at the university. What kinds of jobs can I place with just a AA degree? please say hospital jobs!
3. Can you take online/weekend classes under financial aid? What is the minimum credit requirement for financial aid?
4. I'm planning a degree in Environmental Science. Will I get jobs easily, and where? (labs? public water companies? have no clue)...
I'd appreciate if you answered my questions as best you could!