As you wrap up applying to colleges, it's also now time to apply for federal financial aid by filing the 2017‑2018 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you missed seeing the Financial Aid Night presentation at your school, you can watch a pre‑recorded version of the program on our NHHEAF YouTube channel anytime!

In order to file the FAFSA, you and one parent will need an FSA ID. An FSA ID, which is comprised of a username and password, will provide access to the Federal Student Aid's online systems and serves as your legal signature for your FAFSA as well as any federal student loan applications. For tips on setting up your FSA ID, click here.

The Center for College Planning helps families file the FAFSA everyday in our Concord offices. Call us at 888.7.GRADUATE, x119 to book your appointment today. In addition, many college campuses across the state will be hosting FAFSA filing days for NH families in January and February ‑ register for FAFSA filing closer to home here).

This year, the FAFSA for the 2017‑2018 school year became available on October 1st. Many families took advantage of this opportunity to file the FAFSA early in the process. But now, as you wrap up your college applications, it may be time to check that you have sent the FAFSA to all of the schools that you intend to apply to. Did you add any schools to your list AFTER you filed the FAFSA? If so, you must go back into your FAFSA (FAFSA corrections) add the school and resubmit the FAFSA. Have questions? Call us at 888.7.GRADUATE x119.

Whether you applied Early Decision or whether you haven't even decided which colleges you might want to apply to, this can be a very stressful time for some seniors. It can be helpful to remember the college application process can be broken down into very manageable pieces:

WHAT: What do the colleges want as part of the application? Common App? Standardized test scores? High school transcript? Remember: most programs at NH community colleges do not require standardized test scores or letters of recommendation. Be sure to tie up any outstanding application components!

WHEN: When is the application deadline? For some colleges, the deadline may be creeping up, but many schools today offer deadlines that are later in the Spring or may even offer rolling admissions. Check the college’s website and plan accordingly.

HOW: How will the school communicate with you? Are you expected to check online for updates on your application? Will they email you? Will they mail you a letter?

So, whether you are waiting for acceptance letters or just starting your applications, you can feel confident in the process if you know WHAT the colleges want, WHEN they want it and HOW they will communicate with you. Good luck!