School is in session and I hope everything is going well. It’s college application, college fair, homecoming, and now, FAFSA season. It is a busy time of year.

FAFSA

For the first time every, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be available starting October 1. Students who will be attending colleges during the 2017-2018 academic year should start filling out the FAFSA as soon as possible. And, to make it easier, the FAFSA is now asking for Prior-Prior Year (PPY) tax information. So, for the 2017-2018 FAFSA, you will be submitting 2015 tax information. This is great information for many families because you probably already have your taxes submitted and complete for 2015. Here are some articles to answer some of your questions about the FAFSA:

• What you need to know about the FAFSA
• 10 FAFSA Myths Debunked
• Who is my parent on the FAFSA? This will be especially important for students who have divorced parents or if they are living away from their parents at this time.

College Fairs

Admissions officers have been on the road since the end of August attending college fairs. However, they still have a few months to visit your areas. If you have not attended a college fair yet, look for your opportunity because college fairs are great ways to learn more about college, and sometimes, find other colleges that could be a good fit for you. Here are my tips for college fairs:

• How to prepare for a college fair
• Questions to ask at college fairs
• What NOT to do at college fairs

Sending in your college applications

College application deadline are approaching. Have you submitting your applications yet? If not, pay attention to the deadlines and submit your best application possible. Here are some tips for your college applications:

• 10 tips for your college admissions essay
• How to approach common college admissions essay prompts
• Tips for answering the “Why Us?” question
• Do your college applications have any red flags?

Scholarships

Lastly, no matter where you are in your educational career (high school freshmen, current college students, etc.), apply to scholarships! If you haven’t done so already, check out the October and November scholarship lists. I also have many other types of scholarships lists, such as scholarships sorted by grade/age level requirements, majors, etc.  Scholarships are added all the time as I find them, so check back often to see if there are new scholarships available for you.

Have a great October! If you ever have any questions or think there is an article that could be helpful for me to post, send me a message. And, don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.