While many seniors are starting to hear if they’ve been waitlisted, deferred, or accepted, they’re met with an inevitable reality: college is closer than ever.
This season of change can feel scary, as it is unknown territory, but senior counselor Whitney Singleton is here to help.
“I really love working with this class,” said Singleton. “I’m excited to see where you all go.”
Throughout this series, Mrs. Singleton will share important information about financial aid, scholarships, and acceptance letters, in addition to her email series “Things You Should Know.”
Most recently, on December 1st, FAFSA, also known as the Free Application for Student Aid, opened.
“It is not hard to do,” said Singleton. “It links up with the IRS where people file their taxes, so it’ll automatically pull that information.”
While FAFSA isn’t a scholarship itself, it is a government based program that acts as a nexus for students looking for ways to fund their education.
“FAFSA is the only way that you are able to get things like TN Promise, [the] Hope Scholarship, and [the] Pell Grant,” said NiswongerCare advisor Peyton Vance.
Even though most scholarships are merit based, FAFSA awards money on a need-basis. The maximum amount awarded by the Pell Grant is $7,395.
However, the amount of money a student is eligible to receive is based on several other factors like GPA, extracurriculars, ACT score, and athletics. It’s renewable too, and seniors should be aware that it is important to fill it out each year of college.
“I’m here if anybody needs anything,” said Singleton. “My door is always open.”
If students or parents have any questions feel free to contact Mrs. Singleton at [email protected].