When Things Change Go Check Your fafsa.

 Planet College has frequently emphasized keeping your fafsa up to date. Those posts can be seen here.  This is another fafsa reminder.

The start of a school year brings many pressing subjects to the mind of students on Planet College.  Housing, work and class schedule are pre-eminent among the things which need to be attended to as classes start.  One thing which may have a direct bearing on each of these factors is your financial aid award. If you received your award letter  agreed signed and returned it to your school then the financial aid it represent is probably in place.

But what if things have changed for you financially?  Specifically, what if some help you were counting on has not come through.  Have changes in your personal financial aid picture left you unnecessarily stretched.  Planet College has always emphasized the importance of asking for help when you need it. And if your are short of funds then you need help.  Help almost always starts with you. What are you doing to help  yourself?

First thing is make an appointment to discuss your situation with a counselor in your schools financial aid office.  Then go on line and change your fafsa to more accurately reflect your current situation. Your fafsa, the document which provides the basic information upon which your school determines your need was no doubt filed much earlier this year. During the intervening months much could have happened to affect your financial status.  Many students depend on family for support but what if changes have reduced or eliminated that support? Changing the facts as you can see them is the first step to getting the help you need to complete this coming school year successfully.

While students often don't realize that they can amend their fafsa to more accurately reflect their actual financial picture now you know.  So, when you need help ask. But first help the helpers help you. If it is appropriate change your fafsa now.