But for the students/families in the Financial Aid Process, March Madness can mean something else.
For some high school seniors/returning college students, it can still mean trying to get in all their financial aid paperwork including the FAFSA form. If you are a student in that situation, please get the FAFSA done ASAP! Remember, the 2018-19 FAFSA form is asking for 2016 Tax information. Even though you and your family might have just completed your 2017 taxes, 2017 is NOT the tax year that goes on the 18-19 FAFSA form. This is one of the biggest mistakes this time of year that families make. You will use your 2017 tax info for the 2019-20 FAFSA. Need help filling out a FAFSA form, schedule an appointment with us at www.icansucceed.org/apt.
For other students, you may have been getting Award Letters in the last month or two. For many families, trying to decipher what they mean is challenging. If you are a family that is having trouble, you can also schedule an appointment with one of our ICAN staff at www.icansucceed.org/apt . Bring in your award letter(s) and we can go over them with you. We can talk about your bottom line costs, amount you may need to borrow and what are the definitions/terms of student loans.
We also like to use an on-line tool called the College Funding Forecaster http://www.iowastudentloan.org/smart-borrowing/college-funding-forecaster/college-funding-forecaster.aspx. This tool allows you to estimate what it will cost, not just for one year but for the total years in college.
As for students/families that are freshman, sophomores and juniors in high school, March Madness can mean getting going with planning for your future after high school. At ICAN we have started our Spring travel season and more than likely will be coming to your high school with presentations on College & Career planning and/or the Financial Aid Process. Visit www.icansucceed.org/calendar for a list of the Spring 2018 ICAN Events & Presentations.
Here is hoping a Happy March Madness to all!
Erick - ICAN Ankeny Center
