Filling out FAFSA, scholarship forms

Need help with FAFSA?

The College Goal Oregon annual fair is returning to MHCC Saturday, Jan. 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. above the library in Room AC3333.

This is an opportunity for students to receive help filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is now open and ready for use.

Filling out FAFSA is a vital step toward receiving financial aid from federal and state sources. This process must be completed annually to receive assistance.

Many agree that filling out FAFSA can be both tedious and a nuisance.  But students can meet one-on-one with experts for assistance at this financial aid event.

“Attending MHCC has always been a great value,” says Christi Hart, manager of financial aid. “We know that filling out the financial aid application can be daunting, so we are inviting the public to this special event that will help parents and students navigate the process.”

To be prepared for this year’s FAFSA application process, students should bring their 2012 tax returns from the IRS, end-of-2013 pay stubs, current value of assets, Social Security number, their parent’s Social Security number, driver’s license or state ID and alien registration card (if needed). It would be highly beneficial for parents of young students to attend Financial Aid Day as well.

In addition to expert assistance, several seminars on applying for scholarships will be available from the Oregon Student Access Commission.

FAFSA takes time and commitment, says Cat Parrish, financial aid adviser/ student employment coordinator.  “Apply early, use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, read everything, submit documentation as quickly as possible, and have patience with the process,” she said.

The sessions for scholarship information will be at 9:30 a.m., 11a.m. and 1p.m.