FINANCIAL AID PRESENTATION FOR SENIORS & FAMILIES

 The following presentation is available in English and Spanish for the Class of 2021 and their families.

To view the slides only in English, click here. To view the slides only in Spanish, click here.

FINANCIAL AID PRESENTATION FOR SENIORS

The following video was shared with the Class of 2021 as part of a presentation about return on investment and financial aid.

FINANCIAL AID MYTHS, FACTS, & RESOURCES

Illinois Student Assistance Commission

Monica Masini             
[email protected]
(847) 636-1259                     

Hello! My job is to assist students in the college going process. That means that I am able to work with you on career exploration, college selection, test preparation, scholarship searches, application completion, and the financial aid process. I have virtual office hours for Maine West on Thursdays from 3-4 p.m. Please see the Class of 2021 Google Classroom for meeting links. I can also meet you outside of school if needed.

To schedule an appointment, you can:

• Email me at [email protected]
• Call me at (847) 636-1259
• Set up an appointment online

Overview of Financial Aid Process

Types of Financial Aid

About Financial Aid

Financial Aid is a federally funded program.  To qualify, you must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 
 
The federal government prefers the online version, and you will get a faster response if you file online.  You can fill out the FAFSA beginning October 1st of your senior year. 
 
IT IS BEST TO COMPLETE THE FAFSA BEFORE THANKSGIVING BREAK!  Do not wait until April to complete your FAFSA.  Many colleges have deadlines for financial aid, and the money will get allocated to those who apply early.  Thus, you and your parents will need to use ESTIMATES of your income. 

Click on the video below to learn more about the FAFSA:

Steps to Getting Started

1. Create a FSA ID – The FSA ID is your electronic passport to federal student aid online​​. An FSA ID is a username and password that you must use to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education (ED) websites. Your FSA ID identifies you as someone who has the right to access your own personal information on websites such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). In order to create an FSA ID, please go to:  https://fsaid.ed.gov

To access an instructional video on how to create a FSA ID, click below:

2. GO TO FAFSA.GOV – Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as October 1st of your senior year. ​

Click below for a video on how to fill out the FAFSA:

Materials to bring for Financial Aid Application Help Sessions

• 2019 federal income tax returns (1040 or 1040-EZ), W-2’s, and other records of money earned (for student and a guardian/parent)
• Bank statements and records of businesses, farms, and other investments (if applicable, for student and a guardian/parent)
• Records of untaxed income (if applicable, for student and a guardian/parent)
• Current mortgage statements for properties other than the family’s principal residence (if applicable)
• List of up to 10 colleges you would like to attend

FOR STUDENTS COMPLETING THE FAFSA:

• Social Security Number or an Alien Registration Number
• FSA ID (studentaid.ed.gov)
• Driver’s License (student)
• If guardian/parent is a U.S. citizen or has an Alien Registration Number, the guardian/parent’s Social Security Number or Alien Registration Number

FOR TRANSGENDER STUDENTS WHO HAVE A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND PLAN TO COMPLETE THE ALTERNATIVE APPLICATION FOR ILLINOIS FINANCIAL AID:

• Be prepared to provide the student’s Social Security Number in the pre-screening section of the application