January 22, 2013

From College Choice to the FAFSA with Rod Oto

Jan. 22, 2013 at 10:14 AM | By Rod Oto | Comment Count

From advice about selecting the right college to pointers on completing the FAFSA, we recently chatted with Rod Oto, associate dean of Admissions and director of Student Financial Services at Carleton College to dole out some wisdom about college admissions.College Choice and the FAFSA

College Choice

Hobsons: Choosing the right college creates a lot of anxiety for students and their families - especially when playing the waiting game between application submission and acceptance/rejection. What advice, as an admissions veteran, can you give to students preparing to receive word from college admissions offices?

Rod: Is there only one straight path to success that everyone should follow? No! The path to academic success differs from student to student. The idea that your top choice school is the only way to experience a successful future is a mistaken belief.

Students and parents should keep this in mind when getting accepted, waitlisted, or rejected from an institution. Just because you would be great at school A doesn’t mean that you won’t be just as great, if not better, at school B. In the end, it is what the student chooses to do with their college education that will be the deciding factor.

College Affordability

Hobsons: Another huge concern for students and parents is college affordability. From 1982 – 2007 the average price of college increased over 430%, whereas median family income increased only 150% (National Center for Public Policy in Higher Education). With many facing financial difficulty as a result of the recession, what role does cost play in making the right decision about college?

Rod: Yes, cost may include tuition, room in board, commuting, books, etc. Before choosing to enroll, ensure you have a realistic understanding of the entire cost. This also includes financial aid, scholarships, and other means of financing like student loans or work-study programs.

Students and their families need to be informed on the difference between an institution’s sticker price and actual cost.  Remember, don’t let sticker price scare you! Sticker price may seem like a scary proposition but it doesn’t account for things like financial aid.

Another element to consider: “Does this school meet my financial need?”  This is a question that is often not asked enough.

Financial Aid

Hobsons: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a simple form that can offer help to families trying to pay for college. Students interested in receiving financial aid (this includes returning students) will need to complete this form in order to determine eligibility for federal grants and financial aid packages. The deadline for submitting the FAFSA is quickly approaching. What pointers can you offer those preparing to complete the FAFSA?

Rod: Most schools require the FAFSA in order to be eligible for financial aid. Be wary, some schools like Carleton also require the College Board CSS/Financial Aid Profile Form. At first glance, these forms can seem intimidating, but don’t let these forms intimidate you.

Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:

  1. Students and their families can save a lot of headache by doing their taxes early (try to have them finished by the end of January).
  2. Know the deadlines for submitting the FAFSA for the college/s you wish to attend. Deadlines can vary by college and some colleges may also require the College Board CSS/Financial Aid Profile Form.
  3. The time it takes to complete these forms will vary, but it can be done. Be persistent.
  4. Research! There are many resources available that can help with completing the FAFSA (Check out College Goal Sunday).

Additionally, some high schools offer programs to help students complete the FAFSA. If this is not an option, students can often get help with the FAFSA by contacting a local college financial aid office. Regardless of whether a student plans to apply or not, financial aid counselors are usually happy to answer questions about the FAFSA and financial aid.

Here are a few other resources to help with completing the FAFSA and financial aid:

NASFAA

The Smart Guide to Financial Aid

5 Ways To Get Students And Their Families “Launch” Ready

Student Engagement Parental Engagement Higher Education Financial Planning financial aid FAFSA College and Career Readiness Admissions and Enrollment Accessibility and Affordability
blog comments powered by Disqus