College Prep Genius

By Jean BurkeEducation Parenting Kids & Family

College Prep Genius episodes

October 01 Sweet 13 Bonus: Thirteen Years of Homeschool Help
College Prep Genius is part of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network — and the network has a birthday this month.
This month the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network turns thirteen, and this is the birthday episode.
The format is simple. Hosts from across the network each took one real question from a homeschool parent — the kind that actually lands in an inbox — and answered it. Thirteen questions, about half an hour, running on every feed in the network this week.
Who you will hear: Felice Gerwitz on whether to homeschool at all · Hal and Melanie Young on boys who will not sit still · Dr. Melanie Wilson on why you are already behind · Sabrina and Vicki from 7Sisters on the high school transcript · Sue Myers on a fever and a two-year-old · Meryl van der Merwe on teenagers and AI · Meredith Curtis on getting the joy back · Lisa Nehring on life skills before they launch.
Felice closes it herself, with the part she does not usually say out loud: what it cost to keep this network on the air for thirteen years, and why the people who podcast here are unsung heroes.
If you have only ever listened to this one show, consider this your introduction to the rest of them.
The Sweet 13 Giveaway is open. More than $1,500 in prizes, four drawings across October, and a free party favor for everyone who enters. Enter at ultimateradioshow.com/sweet-13 — October 1 through 29. No purchase necessary, US residents 18+, official rules here.
Presented by Eden’s Table. Use code EDEN13.
The post Sweet 13 Bonus: Thirteen Years of Homeschool Help appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
30 min
May 05 Special Replay: How To Help Your Anxious Child
🌿 This episode is proudly sponsored by Eden’s Table — a Christ-centered herbalism curriculum for K-5 homeschool families. One plant a week, woven through Bible, science, history, art, and Latin.
Try a free week →
Hey, homeschoolers! Few things are as distressing as having an anxious child. I’m revisiting the topic today.
Watch on YouTube
Sponsor
Summary
In this conversation, Melanie Wilson discusses anxiety in homeschoolers and provides a three-part framework for managing anxiety. The first part of the framework is prevention, which includes ensuring regular sleep and wake times, engaging in exercise, and limiting caffeine intake. The second part is recognizing the symptoms of anxiety, such as muscle tension, headaches, stomach aches, and insomnia. The third part is substitution, which involves teaching children to calm themselves down through deep breathing and changing their thoughts. Wilson emphasizes the importance of faith in managing anxiety and suggests using scriptures and truth journaling as tools. Overall, she emphasizes that anxiety can be overcome with practice and offers her curriculum, Training Aliens, as a resource.
Resources
Help for Anxious Homeschoolers
How to Help Your Child Manage Emotions
Truth Journaling
Top Bible Verses for Anxiety
Training Aliens
Have a happy homeschool week!
The post Special Replay: How To Help Your Anxious Child appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
32 min
June 09, 2025Checklist For College 11-12 (Replay)
Checklist for College 11-12 Grades ~ Episode 82 with Jean Burk
Sponsored by Judson College.
Help to chart your course, a checklist for college 11-12 grades! Not everyone goes to college but if you are planning to go this podcast is for you. This is for grades 11 and 12, so juniors and seniors, this is the podcast for you. It is crunch time for the twelfth grade, and the last year of prep for the juniors. You will love this great information!
You are going to be blown away by this information! You would have to pay thousands to get this information with a personal coach. Jean Burk’s an amazing author and teacher of getting free college at College Prep Genius has boot camp and classes to help you! There is 24 Billion dollars of worth of college money out there, why can’t you get some of this? Listen to find out how.
First, start your checklist here with Jean Burks Road Map to College you can download it from Jean’s website CollegePrepGenius.com/roadmap
Additional Podcasts on Financial Information for Colleges here.
OFFICE CONTACT INFO
SALES: 817.282.7737 ext. 2.
LIVE VIRTUAL BOOT CAMPS: 817.282.7737 ext. 3 or collegeprepgenius.com/LiveVirtual
HOSTING OUR AWARD-WINNING CLASS: 817.282.7737 ext. 3 or go to collegeprepgenius.com/host.
GENERAL QUESTIONS: 817.282.7737 ext. 4

Additional Podcasts:
Testing in the time of COVID
*****
Why go to College?
Why go? College child the ability to get jobs that require a college degree.
Teach children to interact with and
Freedom, responsibility, learn to deal with a schedule, learn good work ethics ready for a job.
Excuses For Not Attending College:
Too expensive
Too hard
Low GPA
Additional Test Prep Tests is the CLT which will allow you to stand out from the other standardized tests. Reach out to the CLT for more information.
Jean can help you with these issues by using a well thought out plan. Once you remove the excuses and the financial burden what else will you do the next four years that this as productive? If you need a plan here it is!
Juniors and Seniors here are the various areas you need to work on:
Seniors – taking AP courses to get college credits and shows mastery
Low GPA? Alternative transcript – dual enrollment at a college.
What if you do not know what you want to do, or what you are good at? Jean recommends:
Testing Room
Careerfitter.com
Yourfreecareertest
Assessment.com
Juniors: This is your “to-die” year. This is the year for many tests.
Don’t be too aggressive. but stay strong in your course load/ AP classes and will help your GPA
To-Do List Checklist for College 11-12 Grades:
Separate email just for college correspondence
Think about the types of colleges you want to attend
What do you want to major in? Personality and aptitude tests can help. *Jean names a few on air.
Look at college websites. (US Dept. of Education has a link to colleges based on degree.)
Make up a list of the safe, reach, and dream colleges. At least 10 of the colleges you want to attend.
Contact colleges for more information (to the new email)
Reach out to the admission counselors in the colleges.
Check the Tuition Tracker.
Checklist for College 11-12
Great information you need to know. Be sure to use black ink if you are using something filled out. Never leave a blank space, put in N/A if it does not apply to you. Use registered mail when you send something in the mail. Be sure to write a stand-out essay. (Information on air about the details of this.) Use ZeeMee – a very cool app to add additional information to make you stand out. You can upload photos and videos to this app.
Must-Know Information:
Transcripts up to the 1st-semester senior year
Test scores
Letter of recommendation

The post Checklist For College 11-12 (Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
53 min
December 04, 2024Top Seven College Scholarships
Top Seven College SCHOLARSHIPS #69
SCHOLARSHIPS #69
College scholarships can help children get a head start in life. Most people don’t have money saved for college, and this way with scholarships you can help! If children can “earn’ their way with scholarship money they can graduate debt-free. 85% of colleges will give scholarships based on merit.
Thanks to our sponsor College Prep Genius!
There is scholarship money out there but up to the student to earn it!
1. Merit-based
Based on something your child has done.
GPA, SAT, ACT, CLT scores
Qualifications
A first come first serve.
The college has you fill out these scholarships.
Specific colleges have a special program.
Some will give you study abroad money – and even a computer or iPad!
Automatic Qualification Scholarships and Supplemental Scholarships:
Some post information on their website.
Colleges have different criteria for money based on test scores.
Some are based on SAT or ACT only, no other information.
Some schools fight for National Merit scholars (based on PSAT in Junior year!)
Check with the college themselves.
Supplemental — add on money to other scholarships
Sometimes a special department will give money based on an SAT score – school of engineering for example.
National Merit or achievement scholarship, attracted colleges – you can get a specific scholarship – the trustee scholarship.
National achievement – research funding, spending cash, etc.
Competitive and Direct Competitive:
Different depending on the college.
Outstanding incoming freshmen can apply to some colleges. Full scholarship for four years, if you receive. First-time freshmen can apply. There is a minimum SAT or ACT score required.
Direct competitive – will take the scholarship applications. Can include an interview or an essay. Some have transfer student scholarships.
Athletic – athletic as well as good scores
NCAA – National Collegiate Athletic Association – D-1 or D-2
Club athletics – some of these institutions – badminton, fencing, lacrosse, judo, etc.
NAIA – National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes – smaller colleges, and private colleges
NJCAA – National Junior College Association – two-year or associate degree college
NCCAA – National Christian College Athletic Association – D-1, D-2 for Bible college, etc.
Arts – can be very competitive
Based on merit — dance, music, art, theatre, photography, Videography
Auditions possibly required
Specific music schools that specialize in specific medium
Schools of theatre major
Schools of videography
Merit Scholarships based upon Activities – Team-based: Journalism, Cheerleading, Journalism
Activities you belong to and are involved with a competitive edge.
Journalism – newspaper writing, yearbook, etc.
The band — marching band
State
Varies depending on your state
Look at your state for information about in-state scholarships
Based on test score – full rides on trade school –
Since colleges get their rankings based on test scores, they are willing to give incredible scholarships—even full-rides so check out the podcast on “How to Ace the SAT/ACT”

The post Top Seven College Scholarships appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
45 min
September 26, 2024FAFSA 12 Best kept secrets
FAFSA – 12 Best Kept Secrets Application Tips with Jean Burk
Episode 62
FAFSA Quick Start for Homeschool Families
If your student is college-bound, the FAFSA is one of the most important financial aid forms to complete—even if you think you won’t qualify for aid.
Start with these essentials:
Use the official FAFSA site only: StudentAid.gov
Create your student + parent FSA IDs early
File as early as possible once it opens
Double-check names, Social Security numbers, and signature
Prefer to Listen?
Listen to Jean Burk walk through FAFSA mistakes families make—and how to avoid leaving money on the table.
New Here?
If you have a college-bound homeschool teen, start here:
College Prep Genius show page
FAFSA – Must Know Information
Top Seven College Scholarships
Must Know College Checklist
Homeschooled and Headed for College

Here are the FAFSA 12 Best Kept Secrets. Did you know that 80-90% of families make mistakes on the FAFSA that cost them tens of thousands of dollars in scholarship money? This information is timely before October 1 – so please listen and share this show with your friends with college-bound students.
Visit College Prep Genius, and Jean Burk- author of the award-winning curriculum for SAT prep.
Important Note
FAFSA timelines, school limits, and filing details can change over time. This episode is still helpful for avoiding common mistakes, but always verify current deadlines and instructions at StudentAid.gov before filing.
This Episode Is Especially Helpful If…
you have a homeschool high school student applying to college
FAFSA paperwork feels confusing or intimidating
you’re worried about missing scholarships or aid
you think your income might be “too high” to bother filing
you want to avoid expensive mistakes
Show Notes: FAFSA 12 Best Kept Secrets
Did you know that many times students do not complete the FAFSA application completely? You must complete the FAFSA all the way through. It is an application for low-interest student loans and grants. If you don’t complete it, you can lose out on thousands of dollars.
You can do this beforehand to be prepared to fill out the FAFSA application. Pre-work – download the PDF from the website. http://www.FAFSA.ed.gov
FAFSA 12 Best Kept Secrets:
Scams: Be aware of scam copies – A company purchased this website àcom they will charge you for the FAFSA – it is a FREE application. http://www.FAFSA.ed.gov
ID: Get your FAFSA ID ahead of time. You get a username and a password. If you are considered a dependent student, you need your separate ID. It can take a few weeks to get your ID. There can be a backlog at the last minute. Do not share your ID with others. This information you are putting on your FAFSA is sensitive information. Store it in Lastpass.com (you can get a free account) or a paid account is $20 per year, and it keeps your ID safe.
Date October 1 in your senior year. Many states will run out of money early. You can put in ten colleges when you are filling out your FAFSA. You use your prior-prior taxes or two years before you apply for the loan. You need to pull that out and bring out the information. If you have had a decrease in income from 2015 to now – that can also be adjusted – an addendum must be filled out with each college.
Deadlines: To maximize your scholarship opportunities, fill it out by October 1 – Each school and state will set their deadlines. October 1 is the FIRST day you can apply – deadlines are months later, but why wait?
Which ID? Do not use your ID (parents) when you start your FAFSA – they will give you the option to enter the student information. USE the student ID – it will automatically add your personal information.
Knowing the lingo on the FAFSA helps – certain questions that you automatically know, but you may make mistakes –
Legal guardianship – Students will answer yes here. You are not considered a legal guardian of yourself! So the answer is NO.
NUMBER: The number of family household members – specific definition. Many students put the wrong number down. It has no bearing on who claims the parents in a divorce situation. How many are in your household – that is in your entire family. Siblings. Read instructions carefully.
The number of family members who are in college and private school. If you are thinking about just your siblings. Don’t forget to include yourself. You are also going to college.
Common Mistakes:
If it says You or YOUR – it means the student.
Put in your full name as it appears on your social security card – no nicknames. It will bring you delays if you are not accurate.
Double-check your social security number.’
Income Information:
How much income tax – not your AGI (adjusted gross income) – IRS data retrieval tool that will tell you how to fill it out.
Be sure to see if they ask for your income vs. your parent’s income. Do not get them confused.
The parent section is color coded – you can fill out the parent information. (Even if you live on your own. It still can help you.)
Add More Colleges: Students may only consider one or two colleges. You have up to ten schools you can list. Take advantage of this tool; the other colleges cannot see the schools you are sending this to. You can always remove and add more schools.
Sign It! Don’t forget to sign your FAFSA; this will cause an incomplete FAFSA. You sign it with your ID number. You can mail a signature page if you want. It is not necessary. You can check the status of your application at any time.
Show originally aired 9/17/2024
Listen Next: More College Prep Help
Checklist For College 11-12 (Replay)
Best of College Prep Genius: Checklist For College – Car and Personal
Best of College Prep Genius: Checklist Before College – Dorm Life
Best of College Prep Genius: How To Avoid 6 Common Freshman Mistakes
Best of College Prep Genius: College Selection Checklist
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21 min
February 19, 2024CLT Standardized Test (Replay)
CLT Standardized Test ~~ Lookout SAT/ACT-New Test in Town
The CLT Standardized Test is a new test that is taking on the SAT and ACT Tests. CLT stands for Classic Learning Test. A Harvard graduate wrote the test, standardized – get results right away. They will know the comparison of the other tests. Dave Wagner and Jeremy Tate
Visit our sponsor – College Prep Genius
Show Notes: CLT Standardized Test
What is the CLT?
CLT – Classic Learning Test
Been around a couple of years
Jeremy Tate the co-founder of the CLT
The new standard, deals with the complaints of the SAT and ACT – the values of Western Civilization
Offered 5 x a year, a modern testing format, the student bring their laptop or tablet, they would get their scores immediately
Very similar to SAT and ACT
Overall goal is to have a better test and a better standard. CS Lewis passages or Charles Dickens
They are accepted in 100 colleges
What sections are on the test?
Same as SAT and ACT – similar in how
Verbal Reasoning 40
Grammar 40
Quantitative Reasoning 40
The most you can get on the 120 and there is a conversion ; the highest score is a 117
com
Average ACT is 21 — Average SAT 1060 — Average CLT is 65
Practice tests online
Student guide as baseline score
2 Hours long without an essay
You can take it unlimited times
What is the format?
Based on 120 minutes or 2-hour time limits
40 on reading 45 on grammar and 45 on math section
Students will have their device, the timer goes off, and then you move on to the next section…
Given about a minute per question and less than a minute
Gives a predictability of the student’s college readiness
com
You can become a format
Parents can proctor it for you
What are the differences from the SAT/ACT
Contemporary literature content is one of the big differences, western thought and tradition
Based on thought provoking changes
Analogies on the CLT that use to be on the SAT that are no longer on the test
No essay
What colleges accept the CLT?
Reach out to the college
Listed on the website
About 100 colleges take this test
Liberty, Bryan, etc.
Does it have a PSAT equivalent contest?
They have a CLT – 10 offered for a similar contest like the PSAT
It is free, you can take the CLT and taken at the home, proctored by the parent
Honor system
Partnered NAS – National Association Scolars
108 or above on CLT – SAT 1480 and a 32 on ACT
Take it 10th grade in April of 10th grade and gives
What good news do you have about the CLT and College Prep Genius?
Partnering with College Prep Genius, and the only program they recommend.
Jean gets inside information
Jean is working on a solutions guide
Retired CLT test so that Jean can create a class for this test
Very similar strategies SAT and ACT
What is College Prep Genius doing with CLT?
Students can purchase their student guide and solution guide to strategize how they can do better
A module will be created by College Prep Genius
Being on the ground floor
com – only recommends Jean Burk, College Prep Genius
What special code can you give to students?
com – practice test – CPG18
Contest for Apple watch!
Cut the tuition down to $25 for the test

Professor at Weaton gave a great review of this test. CLT is growing strongly.

The post CLT Standardized Test (Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
31 min
September 26, 2023No More SAT Tests
Let’s Talk to Jean Burke about “No More SAT Tests!”
Podcast #18
What’s this? No More SAT Tests? Did you hear this right? I ask Jean Burke, the author and founder of College Prep Genius if she believes the SAT is a test of the past. Come listen to what she has to say.
Learn More here:
Show Notes – No More SAT Tests
Out of approximately 45,000+ colleges a small portion do not require a SAT or ACT test score.
95% of Colleges require standardized entrance scores – college board or their own.
Colleges collect data and scholarships and entrance is based on scores as likely to do well.
There are exceptions to every rule.
What is the test optional score
Fine Print
Logic
Is testing discriminating to lower socioeconomic classes?
Free waivers to take the test are available
Pick up test booklets with sample tests – look for the patterns
More Shows –
Transcripts Your Key To Free – Here
Transcripts Your Key To Free – Part Two Here

Photo Credit: Copyright 2015 DepositPhoto.com – kikkerdirk
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23 min
September 14, 2023College Grants | Replay
College Grants #68
What are college grants? And is college worth it if you are saddled in debt? You may go to college for only four years and yet have to pay for twenty! College can be for anyone and in this episode, we look at grants as a way to help pay for college tuition. Hold on to your seat and listen as Jean Burk shares her knowledge with you!
College GRANTS
College grants consist of the money you don’t have to pay back. Gov. grant FAFSA – mistakes and how to sign up for it.
Some colleges offer endowments – such as the Moody Bible Institute through federal and institutional grants. The education part is paid through grants. Keep in mind a big name or high pricetag school often offers more opportunity. Test scores help but income bracket also helps – Standford by definition says 144K is low income.
For example, law schools are ranked in the top six, top ten, top sixteen. You don’t want to rule out a college because of money. Or it appears to be out of your reach, you never know.
Are you a resident of a certain state? You may be surprised at what grants are offered some in the form of entitlements.
Federal Pell Grant – not eligible until you fill out the FAFSA
Federal supplemental (FFEOG)
Academic Competitiveness Grant ACG
National Smart Grant SMG
College Grants — TEACH Grant
Cost-Containment Programs
Tuition Equalization Grant –Private school in-state tuition. College for all Texans, for example. If you meet the college costs and how much your family can pay. 2.5 GPA — if tuition cost is more than the private school you can qualify for a tuition grant.
Reciprocity —
Some states will provide reciprocity for other states. In-state tuition to a governing state. MSEP – Midwest Student Exchange Program. Non, resident (listen to the podcast for more information) go to a neighbor or nearby state can reduce the cost of tuition.
Western undergrad exchange — Arizona, Alaska ca Idaho, Hawaii – reduces instate tuition.
Look at the New England reciprocity program.
One of the best websites is the Sallie Mae website.
FAFSA – stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Maximize chances for getting the student aids. October 1 is the first day – and do it as early as possible or the money is gone! You must have this filled out first. LISTEN
Federal Pell Grant – FPG – not eligible until you fill out the FAFSA – the most financial money. The undergrad who has not earned a professional degree yet. Start with FAFSA – every year must be filled out. Depends on the school year, student, max. award around 6K – Cost of attendance, whether the child is working in the school or not.
Federal Pell Grant – Iraq or Afganansstan Service Grant – parent died under the military, eligible for additional money under the age of 24 and enrolled in college.
Federal supplemental (FFEOG) federal supplemental opportunity grant — low-income undergrad students who need a lot of help – 4K per year just depending on your personal situation. Most colleges participate in these grants. No additional funds are available once you get these funds. Check the college website or financial aid dept of your college for more information.
Academic Competitiveness Grant — ACG and the National Smart Grant SMG-Two programs that fall under improved math and science instruction. Take on more challenging courses in high school and helps your child become more successful in these areas. High demand in the global economy – technology or engineering. Available to students.
TEACH Grant – Teacher education assistance for college and higher education. Take specific classes to get the grants themselves and do a certain type of job or it will turn into a loan. The sooner you apply the more money you can get.

The post College Grants | Replay appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
37 min
September 07, 2023Must Know College Checklist | Special Replay
Best of College Prep Genius – Must Know College Checklist with Jean Burke
When you are ready to visit a college do you know what to look for? Here is the must know college checklist of important information to find the very best college for your child.
Celebrate with us! Jean Burk is a Fox News Contributor – she was recently a guest on Fox and Family with Lisa Brady!
Visit our sponsor – College Prep Genius
Podcast #54 Replay

Must Know College Checklist Show Notes
Visit top two schools,
Ask yourself questions; Am I comfortable walking around? Can I be friends with these people?
Make a checklist to compare colleges
Apply to 5-6 schools, safe schools, reach schools, and dream schools
Links we discussed:
Data Base of Accredited Colleges:
utexas.edu/world/univ
clas.usl.edu/CLAS/american-univeristy.html
Remember there is no perfect college
Check the school website for visit dates
Contact the admissions counselor for a personal date
Go on a weekday to get a feel for the campus
Try to schedule an interview while you are there
Ask if the school offers reimbursement for travel fees
Make travel arrangements as soon as you can
Arrange for an excused absence to take college visits
Try to talk to the dean or professors
Sit in on one or more classes
Take a tour of the campus
Visit the bookstore student center or library
Spend the night in a dorm to get a feel for the housing
Eat in the cafeteria to see if you like it
Meet with the admissions counselor face-to-face
Wander around the campus by yourself
Talk to students at the college and ask about their experience
Visit around the school to get a feel of the area
Questions to Ask Academic Advisor
What is the average class size for a freshman
How many of those students returned the following year
What makes this college program special
How easy is it to switch majors
How does the school help the student adjust to college life
Is there Greek life or social groups at this school
Is the Greek System important to this school
What organizations is the school partnered with
What does the tuition cover
Are there hidden fees
Work-study jobs
How safe is the campus
What does the housing scene look life
Are freshmen allowed to live off-campus
Are freshman allowed to have their own car
Campus parking situation
Does the school offer campus-wide tutoring
How big is the average class size
Things to ask the students at the college
The thing they like most about the college
The worst thing about this college
Why did they pick this college
Would you pick this school again if you had the chance
If I need help how acceptable are the professors here
Are the professors down to earth
What do you like about your department
Do you like the professors
Are the professors teaching the classes themselves or is it done by a TA
How diverse is the student body
How is the cafeteria
What do you do for fun here
How close are the shopping center
How are the dorms
Which dorm is best
Are the dorms nice
What is the one thing you wish you knew ahead of time

The post Must Know College Checklist | Special Replay appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
52 min
August 22, 2023FAFSA 12 Best kept secrets
FAFSA – 12 Best Kept Secrets Application Tips with Jean Burk
UPDATED December 2, 2024
Episode 62
Here are the FAFSA 12 Best Kept Secrets. Did you know that 80-90% of families make mistakes on the FAFSA that cost them tens of thousands of dollars in scholarship money? This information is timely before October 1 – so please listen and share this show with your friends with college-bound students.
Visit our sponsor – College Prep Genius, and Jean Burk- author of the award-winning curriculum for SAT prep.
Show Notes: FAFSA 12 Best Kept Secrets
Did you know that many times students do not complete the FAFSA application completely? You must complete the FAFSA all the way through. It is an application for low-interest student loans and grants. If you don’t complete it, you can lose out on thousands of dollars. But, regardless of income, everyone should fill it out.
You can do this beforehand to be prepared to fill out the FAFSA application. Pre-work – download the PDF from the website. https://studentaid.gov/
FAFSA 12 Best Kept Secrets:
Scams: Be aware of scam copies – Companies have purchased websites with a dot com; (not dot gov) they will charge you for the FAFSA – it is a FREE application.
ID: Get your FAFSA ID ahead of time. You get a username and a password. If you are considered a dependent student, you need your separate ID. It can take a few weeks to get your ID. There can be a backlog at the last minute. Do not share your ID with others. This information you are putting on your FAFSA is sensitive information. Store it in Lastpass.com (you can get a free account) or a paid account is $20 per year, and it keeps your ID safe.
Date October 1 in your senior year. In 2024, the date was pushed back and is now open. Many states will run out of money early. You can put in twenty colleges when you are filling out your FAFSA. You use your prior-prior taxes or two years before you apply for the loan. You need to pull that out and bring out the information. If you have had a decrease in income from 2015 to now – that can also be adjusted – an addendum must be filled out with each college.
Deadlines: To maximize your scholarship opportunities, fill it out by the usual date of October 1 – Each school and state will set their deadlines. October 1 is the FIRST day you can apply – deadlines are months later, but why wait?
Which ID? Do not use your ID (parents) when you start your FAFSA – they will give you the option to enter the student information. USE the student ID – it will automatically add your personal information.
Knowing the lingo on the FAFSA helps – certain questions that you automatically know, but you may make mistakes –
Legal guardianship – Students will answer yes here. You are not considered a legal guardian of yourself! So, the answer is NO.
NUMBER: The number of family household members – specific definition. Many students put the wrong number down. It has no bearing on who claims the parents in a divorce situation. How many are in your household – that is in your entire family. Siblings. Read instructions carefully.
The number of family members who are in college and private school. If you are thinking about just your siblings. Don’t forget to include yourself. You are also going to college.
Common Mistakes:
If it says You or YOUR – it means the student.
Put in the student’s full name as it appears on your social security card – no nicknames. It will bring you delays if you are not accurate.
Double-check the social security number.
Income Information:
How much income tax – not your AGI (adjusted gross income) – IRS data retrieval tool that will tell you how to fill it out.
Be sure to see if they ask for student income vs. parent’s income. Do not get them confused.
The parent section is color coded – students can fill out the parent information. (Even if they live on your own. It still can help you.) (Even if they live on your own. It still can help you.) A parent CAN fill out the entire form on a student’s behalf. (indicate it from the very beginning that they are filling it out as a parent.)
Add More Colleges: Students may only consider one or two colleges. You have up to twenty schools you can list. Take advantage of this tool; the other colleges cannot see the schools you are sending this to. You can always remove and add more schools.
Sign It! Don’t forget to sign your FAFSA; if not, this will cause an incomplete FAFSA. Student and one parent will sign it with their ID number. You can mail a signature page if you want. It is not necessary. You can check the status of your application at any time.
Check out the “FAFSA—Two Big Snafoos/13 Changes” podcast
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21 min