What is College Goal Sunday?

FAFSA Day Massachusetts, a College Goal SundaySM Program, is a non-profit, volunteer driven program in its 8th year providing free assistance to students and families seeking to complete the FAFSA — the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

What should I bring if I am planning to attend?
Students and parents* should EACH bring the following:
FAFSA Pin (www.pin.ed.gov)

Social Security Number
Driver’s License number
Most recent federal tax return
Most recent W-2 or year-end pay stub
Untaxed income records
Bank statement(s)
Business and investment records
Alien Registration Card (if not a U.S. Citizen)
*Students who were born before January 1, 1989 do not need to bring parental information.

When and where is College Goal Sunday happening?
Sunday January 29th, 2012 at 2pm at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, MA

Registration is recommended http://www.fafsaday.org/registration.php

What do I need to complete my FAFSA?

Financial Aid season is in full swing! For someone completing a FAFSA for the first time, it can feel a little bit overwhelming. The best place to start is to gather all of the supporting information that you will help you to fill out the FAFSA. Here is a quick list of some of things you will need

Student Information:
2011 W2 form (or last paystub of 2011)
2011 Income tax form (if you file)
Social Security number
Alien Registration number (if not a U.S. citizen)
Date of birth
Account balance for checking, savings and CD's
Amount of social security benefits
Parent Information:
2011 W2 form (or last paystub of 2011)
2011 Income tax form (if you file)
Social Security number (both parents)
Dates of birth (both parents)
Date they were married, separated, divorced (whatever happened most recently)
Amount of Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, welfare benefits, Veteran's benefits, Military or Clergy benefits
Amount of child support paid or received

*If you have a legal guardian as determined by the State you will not need to complete the parents section and will complete the student portion as an independent student.

Financial Aid Season

Financial aid applications are available for completion as of January 1, 2011.  As you enjoy time off with friends and family during the holiday break take a few minutes to gather the documents you'll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile (an additional form required for institutional aid from some private colleges only).  The links at the bottom of this post include a list of documents we'll need to help you fill out these forms as accurately as possible.  Take a peek, have a conversation with your folks and come see GEAR UP as soon as you return from break to schedule an appointment.  If you and or your parent(s) cannot find your tax returns from last year make a call to the people that filed your taxes and request a copy.  Institutions with February deadlines know you will be estimating, better to make an educated guess than miss a deadline and thousands of dollars in aid.  Fear not, we are here to help you and your families through this process.  As long as you bring the documents we'll get you squared away.  If you have extenuating circumstances and are unsure of which adult is required to submit information stop by GEAR UP and we'll figure it out.  We'll be here to file appeals, help with verification, and interpret your award letters.  Enjoy your holidays everyone!

Additional Parent Information

Documents needed for financial aid forms