Get Ready for College - LCHS North

Financial Aid

Financial Aid for College - LCHS North

Financial Aid

The link below will take you to the FAFSA YouTube channel where you can find guidance in filling out the FAFSA.  

Federal Student Aid - YouTube

 

• FAFSA Step-by-Step Guide that walks students and families through each question of the FAFSA, including screenshots and explanations and a FAQ page for students with special circumstances. Here is the link https://www.standoutcollegeprep.com/fafsa-questions/

If you’re applying for financial aid for academic year 2025-2026, you can submit your FAFSA starting in December, using your 2024 income tax return.

To start your FAFSA application click here.

• Be sure to submit the FAFSA every year you’re in college.
• Aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so know your deadlines and apply as early as you can to maximize your financial aid.

FAFSA FAQ's 

Do I still have to complete a FAFSA every year?

Yes, every student should complete a FAFSA every year beginning October 1, for the next school year they plan to attend.

Why should I apply so early?

Some financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so the earlier you apply, the bigger and better your financial aid package could be.

How will an earlier FAFSA and the change to the income year benefit me?

Benefits include:

•  Students (and their parents, if applicable) will not need to estimate income information and will not need to update their income information as in the past since the FAFSA now only requires taxes already filed.
•  There will be more time for students to explore and understand financial aid options and apply for private scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students.
•  Applying early means getting your award notification earlier. Students who file October 1 or shortly thereafter, can expect to begin receiving award notifications in December.
•  Students will be more prepared for the payment due date.
•  Receiving an award notification earlier encourages students to complete their financial aid requirements earlier.

How will I complete the FAFSA in October if I don’t file taxes until the following April?

Beginning with the 2017-18 FAFSA, students (and parents, if applicable) have been able to report income and tax information from an earlier tax year. 

Potential College Athlete Guide

In order to play college sports, you must be eligible through the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) or the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics).  We advise all potential college athletes to aim for NCAA Division 1 Eligibility, so they can accept all offers.  Here are the steps to help you through the process of initial eligibility.  

• Talk with your coach about your interest in playing college sports.

• Meet with your counselor to discuss your plans.  

• Check the NCAA Division 1 minimum eligibility requirements.

• Count your Core high school classes taken.

• Schedule your classes to meet NCAA Division 1 eligibility requirements.

•  Schedule your classes to meet eligibility requirements.

• Calculate your Core GPA.  Retake classes to raise your core GPA (if needed).

• Decide which college you will sign up to play with.

• Complete an online application to the college of your choice.

• Create a Parchment account to view and send your transcripts.

  • Use Parchment.com

• Register with NCAA.org or playNAIA.org

• Request your ACT or SAT scores be sent directly to NCAA or NAIA.

  • Use ACT.org or collegeboard.org to request your scores

• Request your transcripts be sent to NCAA or NAIA.

  • Use Parchment.com to make the request.  

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE COMPLETE COLLEGE ATHLETE GUIDE 

When to apply for college: faq

1.  How long does it take to fill out a college application?

You may need a month or more to gather the materials needed, such as letters of recommendations and transcripts.  Once you have all your materials, you can complete the basic information on an application in less than an hour.  

Writing the essay and personal statement can take a few days up to a few weeks, depending on the content and number of revisions 

2.  When do colleges start accepting applications?

Most colleges begin accepting applications in early August.  If you know you'll have a busy senior year ahead, consider gathering your materials over the summer so you can start the process in August and September.  

3. Where should I apply to college?

Consider applying to at least six colleges.  Have a mix of reach, match, and safety schools.  Having a balanced list of schools to apply to increases the chances you're accepted by one or more colleges where you'll be happy.

You also shouldn't rely solely on a school's ranking or the advice of others.  Take many factors into account.  Remember that the best school is the one that makes you feel at home.  The best one is also the one where you can thrive.  Look at schools that have programs that interest you.  Visit the campus.  Talk to the students who go there.  Only apply to schools at which you can see yourself being happy.  

4.  When are applications due for college?

Although application deadlines vary, most schools require you to apply sometime between January and February.  If you plan to apply early decision, the application is typically due in early November.  Check with the school to find the exact deadline.  

5. Should I even bother applying to colleges I don't think I can afford?

Absolutely.  Remember that after financial aid packages are determined, most students will pay less than the "sticker price" listed on the college website.  Fill out the FAFSA as early as possible to qualify for the most aid.  

College AppLICATION checklist

Junior Summer:  Do Before Applying to College Checklist

• Set up a professional sounding email address
• Go to the application website
• Note the regular application

Junior Year:  Take Tests and Other Exams for Admission

• Take an admission test, if required.
• Take other required or recommended tests ( e.g. AP Exams, IB exams).
• Send admission test scores, if required, with your application.
• Send other test scores.
• Retest by summer of junior year or fall of senior year.  

Early Senior Year:  Get Letters and Essay Ready

• Request recommendation letters.  Provide a resume for reference.  
• Send thank-you notes to recommendation writers.
• Start the essay drafting and revision process 2 months prior to the application deadline.
• Draft Initial essay.
• Proofread essay for spelling and grammar.  
• Have 2 people read your essay.  
• Revise your essay.
• Proofread your revision.

Fall of Senior Year: Make a campus visit, Apply for Financial Aid.

• Interview at the college campus, if required.  
• Submit FAFSA
• Submit CSS profile, if needed.  
• Make a note of the priority financial aid deadline.  
• Make a note of the regular financial aid deadline.
• Submit a college aid form if needed.
• Submit a state aid form if needed.  
• Check the college's financial aid website to see if you need to submit any additional institution forms.

Submit the Application.  Pay Fees by Deadlines.

• Complete college application.
• Save copies of your application and application fee waiver if eligible.  
• Submit application
• Request high school transcripts to be sent.
• Request midyear grade report to be sent.
• Confirm receipt of application materials by checking your application status online. 
• Send additional materials if needed.
• Tell your school counselor that you applied.
• Receive letter from admissions office. 

Senior Spring:  Make Your Selections.

• Apply for housing and meal plans, if applicable.
• Receive financial aid award letter.
• Accept financial aid offer.
• Notify whichever colleges you're not planning to attend.