Tips for applying for aid for 2011-2012

As we gear up for the Fall Semester, here are a few tips to help your financial aid application process go smoothly:

1. Fill out the FAFSA as soon as you file your taxes.
2. Read your Student Aid Report after you have filed your FAFSA. It will tell you if you have been selected for verification or if there are any problems regarding your FAFSA. If you are selected for verification, there are certain documents you will need to submit to our office. Some of these include signed copies of your federal tax returns (spouse's return, if married and parents' return if a dependent student) and a verification worksheet. If your SAR tells you that you have a c-flag, you should submit documentation to our office to resolve this. If no EFC appears on your SAR, your FAFSA was not processed. Make sure all questions are answered and all required signatures are completed.
   

3. HOPE Scholarships are not processed automatically. If you wish to apply for HOPE, apply online at www.gacollege411.org. Once your GSFAPPS has been completed, please submit a HOPE Scholarship Request Form to our office.
4. If you answered "Student Loans" or "Both Work Study & Student Loans" for question number 31 on your FAFSA, you will automatically be awarded a Direct Loan that can be accepted via ELROY.
5. Check the status of your account and documents on Elroy. If you have questions, follow up with our office.

The purpose of this communication is to provide you with some vital information and reminders.  Please pay close attention to the dates and events listed below.

Loan Eligibility ~ All Federal Direct Student Loans require an enrollment status of at least 6 credit hours each semester.

Audit Hours ~ Audit courses are considered noncredit courses; therefore, are not covered by financial aid funds.

ELROY ~ We encourage you to review your financial aid status online by using ELROY.

February 8, 2011 ~ Annual Financial Aid Mardi Gras, JSAC Breezeway from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon.  This is our official kickoff for the 2011-2012 aid year.  Feel free to stop by and pick up vital financial aid information.
           
2011-2012 Financial Aid Application Deadline is March 1, 2011 ~ Your financial aid file must be complete on or before this date to ensure that your aid will be processed prior to the published fee payment deadline for Fall, 2011. Apply free over the internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov.