FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is College Goal Sunday?
College Goal Sunday is a free, on-site program that helps students and families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the form that is required to apply for federal financial assistance for higher education. College Goal Sunday Washington takes place on January 27, 2008, at locations across Washington state. Step-by-step instructions for filling out the FAFSA begin at 2 p.m., and the event lasts about three hours.

Pre-registration is not required, but you can get started now by signing-up online.

Where is College Goal Sunday Washington?
College Goal Sunday Washington will be held at several locations across the state. Details for 2008 will be posted soon.

When is College Goal Sunday Washington?
The workshop typically lasts three hours. Details for 2008 coming soon.

Who receives financial aid for college?
Almost two-thirds of students in higher education receive financial aid. In fact, 63% of students in college, university, community college and technical schools get money to help pay the price of their higher education. The average total aid is $7,400.

What should I bring?

Your Social Security Number and driver's license (if any) and any financial records related to income
If available: your FAFSA pin number
- If you are 23 years old or younger: A parent and their 2006 income data (W-2's or a pay stub and/or 2005 tax return)
- If you are 24 years old or older: your 2006 income information
- If you are not a U.S. citizen: your alien registration card

Not all families will have all these documents--but don't let that stop you from coming. If you don't have this year's income tax returns, bring copies of last year's forms and/or last pay stub for making estimates. You should also bring any other financial records related to income. Even if you have no paperwork at all we can help you complete part of the FAFSA.

Students may attend on their own, but they'll need to bring parents' recent income tax returns and/or last pay stub and other financial records. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend with their children.

Who should attend?
If you are a high school senior considering education after high school, you and a parent or guardian should attend College Goal Sunday Washington. We also encourage juniors to join us to get a jump-start on steps they can take to explore college options and how to pay for them. Students may attend on their own, but they'll need to bring parents' recent income tax returns and/or last pay stub and other financial records.

But you don't have to be in high school to participate--College Goal Sunday is for anyone who is considering applying to an institution of higher learning and needs help applying for financial aid.

What is the FAFSA?
The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and is required for all students to get money for college. Information from the FAFSA qualifies you for all forms of federal (and many state and college-specific) aid, including federal student grants, work-study funds, loans and many state and private scholarships. The financial information you provide on the FAFSA determines your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is how much you and your family are expected to pay toward your education.

Financial aid makes it possible for every student who qualifies for admission to attend college. Learn more about how the FAFSA works or visit the FAFSA website at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

What is a FAFSA PIN number?
The FAFSA pin number is required for any student planning to submit their FAFSA online. Submitting your forms online ensures a faster response. To obtain a FAFSA pin, log on to www.pin.ed.gov.

What if my parents can't come?
Students may attend on their own, but they'll need to bring parents' recent income tax returns and/or last pay stub and other financial records related to income. Bring all the materials and you should be able to complete most of the FAFSA at College Goal Sunday. Then you can finish completing the form with your parents later.

Am I eligible to apply for financial aid?
All students are eligible to apply for student financial assistance. Each year, colleges, universities and technical centers assist students in finding available funds from the various sources that help make education more affordable.

In order to qualify to receive federal student financial aid applicants must:

Be a citizen or eligible non-citizen of the United States with a valid Social Security Number
Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate or pass an approved "ability to benefit" test
Enroll in an eligible program as a regular student seeking a degree or certificate
Register (or have registered) for Selective Service, if you are a male between the ages of 18-25
Have no prior or pending drug felony convictions

What number should I call for more information?
You may call 888-758-2253 for more information about College Goal Sunday Washington.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FAFSA FOR FOSTER YOUTH OR WARDS OF THE COURT