Answers for Students
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 is a three-hour event that takes place annually in January at several locations across Washington State.
Why is College Goal Sunday important?
College Goal Sunday provides assistance in applying for financial aid to families who need it. By delivering help to families in their own communities, College Goal Sunday helps ensure that students get the help they need crossing the paper barrier to qualify for financial aid.
Most students and families need assistance in paying for higher education expenses. The FAFSA is the gateway to accessing financial aid resources, which include school loans. Secondly, a family’s situation may change at some point during the school year resulting in a major reduction in income. If the FAFSA has been filed in a timely manner, adjustments can be made as long as the filing deadline has not been missed.
Who participates in College Goal Sunday?
College Goal Sunday is open to all college-bound students regardless of age. Whether a traditional student right out of high school or an adult who is returning or pursuing higher education for the first time, College Goal Sunday will help you complete the FAFSA, accurately and on time. Dependent students (those under 24) should bring a parent or legal guardian. Independent students (24 or over) will not require a parent’s income information.
When and where is College Goal Sunday?
College Goal Sunday Washington will be held at several locations across the state throughout the month of January. Check out Event Locations to find the workshop nearest you.
What if I can't attend a College Goal Sunday event?
To find help near you, contact the College Goal Sunday Washington coordinator at 888-758-2253 or collegegoalsundaywa@nela.net.
What if I'm not sure I'll attend college?
Many students are not sure if they will be attending right after high school. When you complete the FAFSA, you aren't obligated to attend college. However, by completing it, you ensure you won't miss any deadlines, which is important in case you decide to apply to college later in the year.
How often will I apply for financial aid?
Financing your education is an on-going process. You will complete the FAFSA every year you are in college. In order to make college more affordable you should also apply for scholarships every year.
What if I don't have a Social Security number or don't want to report it on the FAFSA?
You must enter your Social Security number on the FAFSA. If you don't submit your social security number, the form will be returned unprocessed and you will not be considered for federal student aid. Additionally, at least one parent has to include his/her social security number however, if neither parent has one the FAFSA instructs those parents to put 0's instead of a social security number.
Can my parents and I fill out the FAFSA over the internet?
Yes, you can fill out the FAFSA online. It is recommended that you and your parents get PIN codes first so you can sign the FAFSA electronically and not have to print out, sign and send in a paper signature page. Here are the web addresses:
PIN code: www.pin.ed.gov
FAFSA on the Web: www.fafsa.ed.gov
When should I complete the FAFSA?
You should apply as soon as possible after January 1. If the college has a deadline earlier than when your parents will have their taxes done, go ahead and estimate and meet the college's deadline. You can always correct the information later.
Will I need to complete my tax return before completing the FAFSA?
If you or your parent(s) are filing an income tax return, we recommend filling it out before completing the FAFSA. However, the income tax return does not need to be sent to the IRS before filling out the FAFSA. You can always use last year’s tax return and update the information later.
My parents are separated or divorced. Which parent fills out the FAFSA?
The parent you lived with most during the last 12 months. If you didn't live with either parent, or if you lived with each parent an equal number of days, use the parent who provided most of the support to you in the most recent calendar year.
Does my step-parent's income and assets have to be reported on the FASFA?
If the parent whose information you are reporting on the FASFA has married or remarried, you must include information about your step-parent (even if they were not married for the entire year).
What if I’m a foster youth or ward of the court?
There are additional resources for you. Call 888-758-2253 or email collegegoalsundaywa@nela.net for help regarding your specific situation.
What number should I call for more information?
You may call 888-758-2253 for more information about College Goal Sunday Washington.
