With questions upon questions and personal inquiries and financial records, filling out the FAFSA can feel overwhelming. But for students hoping to secure financial aid for college, completing this lengthy form is a crucial part of transitioning into higher education. That’s why, on Saturday, Feb. 15, parents and students gathered in the career center to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), assisted by College and Career Specialist Tiziana Marchante. 

The FAFSA is a crucial application that helps determine a student’s eligibility for federal financial aid, through grants, loans and work-study programs to help cover the cost of college. Many states and universities also use FAFSA data to determine additional financial opportunities. Completing the FAFSA early and accurately can impact the affordability of higher education, benefiting both students and family.

Last year, many students and families struggled with the FAFSA process due to technical glitches, delayed processing times and confusion over the required information. Some students faced trouble verifying income and dependent status, while others missed out on aid due to incomplete or incorrect forms. “It was helpful since she was there to answer any questions we had,” Ilan Irshad said. “And [she] walk[ed] us through each part of the form. ”

To address these challenges, the career center hosted a workshop, providing hands-on guidance to students and families navigating the application process. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions in real time and ensure their forms were completed accurately. “That’s why we do these workshops, because we think that everybody could benefit from that,” Marchante said. “And, you never know, you could get some scholarships, [or] some state funding from Virginia.”

Beyond providing guidance, the workshop also addressed concerns about recent changes to financial aid programs. Some students and families worried about the status of certain grants, especially with shifts in federal funding. However, Marchante reassured attendees that key financial aid opportunities remain intact. “There are certain grants that have been in some federal programs that have been [paused], but we clarified it with the Department of Education and other nonprofit groups that are working with us,” Marchante said. “They’re not being affected so far. I think this is going to stay around for as long as the FAFSA exists.”

For those who missed the workshops but still need assistance, resources are available through the College and Career Center. Students are encouraged to reach out for help to ensure they don’t miss out on potential financial aid.