Application fees waived for many NC colleges, universities this week during NC Countdown to College
It's crunch time for high school seniors with college in their sights. Not only do they need to get those college applications in on time, but they also need to fill out critical paperwork for financial aid. CFNC's NC Countdown to College is here to help.
Posted — UpdatedIt's crunch time for high school seniors with college in their sights.
Not only do they need to get those college applications in on time, but they also need to fill out critical paperwork for financial aid.
"It can be very intimidating the first time, having to complete these applications, especially for first generation students where they don't have that support, possibly, at home," said Sarita Broadway, CFNC regional representative. "So, by offering this free service, it allows them to be able to get assistance with completing these various applications that have critical deadlines."
The first two weeks of October focused on establishing in-state residency and the FAFSA, followed by this week's College Application Week. Here's what parents and their college-bound students need to know.
Residency Determination Service
FAFSA
Since Oct. 1, incoming and current college students have been able to complete their FAFSA - or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It's a vital first step toward receiving everything from state and federal grants to work-study assignments to some school-sponsored scholarships and more.
And though deadlines for filling out the FAFSA vary by college, it doesn't pay to wait. Some pots of money run out. If you wait, there may be less money to qualify for.
"Some schools base their financial aid on a first come, first served basis," Broadway said. "The earlier they apply, the better their chances."
The FSA ID gives students access to the online system where they can fill out the FAFSA. It also serves as a legal signature.
"Get your FSA ID number and then complete your FAFSA," Broadway said. "If you don't have that electronic signature, it will be put in a pending file until you get back to the website to put in the information."
For students and families who need more guidance on the form, CFNC has set up FAFSA Day on Oct. 27 with the North Carolina Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and the State Employees' Credit Union.
Application fees waived this week
Applications fees, depending on how many schools a student is applying for, can get costly.
"They can really really add up if you're having to pay all of those fees out of pocket," Broadway said. "And there's no limit to how many applications they can complete through CFNC that week."
Ultimately, Broadway said, CFNC hopes to cement in college-bound students' minds that October is the month to finish up all of those college-related applications and paperwork.
"Regardless of whether they are participating in College Application Week, we want students to put their hat on and say, 'This is the time of the year where I complete my admission applications because I don't want to be behind. I don't want to be left out,'" Broadway said.
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