College-Bound Students Receive Free Help to Complete FAFSA
LA PLATA, Md. - Students looking for assistance on how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are invited to the College of Southern Maryland's (CSM) sixth annual College Goal Sunday on Feb. 11. College Goal Sunday is a nationally held one-day event that provides college-bound students and their parents with free assistance and guidance on how to complete the FAFSA.
Completing the FAFSA is important according to Sonia K. Wagner, executive director of SoMD CAN/College Access Network. "[The FAFSA] allows students entrance into all major national, state and institutional financial aid programs," said Wagner. When completed accurately and filed by the state deadline of March 1, the FAFSA form ensures that students are considered for all of the grants, scholarships and loans for which they are eligible.
"Events like College Goal Sunday are a great opportunity for families who are looking for ways to finance their kid's education to receive information directly from financial experts," said George Bachman, director of CSM's financial aid department.
College Goal volunteers from CSM, St. Mary's College, the Student Loan Agency and the Maryland State Scholarship Programs will be on-hand to answer questions and provide line-by-line assistance on the FAFSA form beginning at 2 p.m., at the La Plata Campus, in BI rooms 113 & 113 E. The Inclement weather date is Feb. 18.
Students, and parents, attending College Goal Sunday need to bring proof of their 2006 income and benefits information, such as completed IRS federal income tax returns and W-2 forms, end-of-year pay stubs, and/or proof of untaxed income.
For more information, contact CSM's Financial Assistance Department, 301-934-7531.