As college application season approaches, high school seniors are getting ready to submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is a crucial step in securing financial aid for higher education. Counselors help students and parents navigate the process, offering guidance on everything from completing the form to understanding the different types of financial aid available.
The FAFSA application is key to accessing federal student loans, grants, and work-study programs and more! Many students are encouraged to start the process early, as it can be very time-consuming and complicated.
“I was overwhelmed when I first heard about FAFSA,” Jordin Miller ’25 said. “Thankfully, my counselor explained everything in a way that made sense. I had no idea how important it was to start early. But now that I started my application, I feel a little bit more relaxed.”
Seniors like Miller are not the only ones preparing. Matyas Philips ‘25, is another senior that expressed similar feelings.
“I wasn’t sure where to start with my FAFSA application, so I went to my counselor and she helped me a lot,” Philips said. “She told me that getting our FAFSA ID set up early is a good idea, and that parents and students both need their own FSA ID to sign the form. I didn’t know that before, but now I feel way more prepared.”
Counselors like Dakota Dilday have been encouraging students to get ahead by creating their FAFSA ID now. Parents and students will each need their own FSA ID to complete the process. The FSA ID is an essential tool for electronically signing the FAFSA, and it can take some time to create, so getting started early is key.
“We consistently post helpful tips to complete the FAFSA, such as a step-by-step guide,” Dilday said. “We also have a Virtual Financial Aid through Oakland University that explains the general basics of FAFSA. We just had someone in the building so students could stop by and get their questions answered. Lastly, we will be hosting another Financial Aid night where parents and students can come in and receive help while completing the application.”
