For those of us involved in preparing students to progress in their education and life plan, the arrival of fall season signals the beginning of October, an important and busy month for high school seniors, their families, college-career and financial aid advisors.
Promoted as College Knowledge Month across America, October is when high school seniors start actively preparing for the next phase of their lives, including funding their postsecondary education.
“FAFSA” is the acronym we hear a lot at this time of year. The open application period for filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opened October 1. Throughout the month, a community collective effort will include financial aid advising and open houses, some virtual and some in person, to provide families and students with convenient resources and help.
The FAFSA is required to apply for Pell Grant dollars and other federal, state and philanthropic grants and scholarships that help pay for college, making it a critical first step for students to access financial aid that will help them pursue their postsecondary plans.