Gear Up News - March 2023
High School & Beyond Planning
— News & Information
For Families of 12th Grade Students
What Happens After You Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):
Once students submit the FAFSA, the family’s financial information is analyzed using the federal need formula.
The Student Aid Report (SAR)
After the information students have provided is analyzed, they will receive a Student Aid Report that contains the data they entered on the FAFSA. The U.S. Department of Education will send this form to the student either by email or by postal mail.
Students need to review the SAR carefully for errors. The form highlights items that may need attention. Follow the directions given and submit corrections promptly. Keep a copy of the SAR for your records.
Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
On the front page of the SAR, your child will find a figure called the expected family contribution (EFC). The EFC is an indicator of your family’s financial strength. It is sent to your state scholarship agency as well as to the colleges your child listed on the FAFSA. They use this number to determine your child’s financial aid award. Learn more about the
EFC.
Other Financial Aid Forms
After students complete the FAFSA, they should make sure to submit any additional financial aid forms that their colleges require. For example, some colleges require them to submit the
CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE® or their own forms.
Help with the FAFSA
If you have questions about the application, FAFSA on the Web or federal financial aid for students in general, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-4-FED-AID (433-3243) / TTY 800-730-8913
Note: This information only applies to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It does not apply to students who complete the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).
Tutoring is offered after school:
Monday - Thursday 2:30pm-3:30pm
Contact Information: [email protected]
Did You Know?
While living on campus means additional costs, a student’s financial aid award will include funds for living expenses. The experience of living in a residence hall on a college campus is unique. It allows students to be more connected with their classmates and activities happening on campus. The university itself is its own community, and being a part of this community will help students grow and stay connected to important resources
Myth Buster
MYTH: College will be way too hard. It's just not for my kid.
REALITY: There are many options for students after high school. There are apprenticeships, on-the-job training programs, community college certificates, two-year degrees, and four-year degrees.
In some ways, college may be harder than high school. But in other ways, college may actually be easier than high school.
Students may not get the grades they expected or got in high school; however, college offers them the opportunity to explore their academic interests and pursue areas of study in which they know they will succeed.
Colleges also offer opportunities to help students succeed in school, get to know their professors, and find other helpful resources on campus such as tutoring and other support services.
Upcoming Events & Announcements
Spokane College Campus Tours, March 8th
Leaving RVHS at 6:30am, returning 6:00pm
March 8th, we will tour Gonzaga University, Spokane Falls Community College, and Eastern Washington University. Students will see firsthand a private college campus, a public community college and a public state college. See Mrs. Howard if you would like to attend.
RVHS Career Fair, March 29th, 8:00am-10:30am
March 29th, River View will be hosting a Career Fair. Students will have an opportunity to explore over 20 different careers.
Student Checklist
Register for the April SAT in March. Talk to your counselor if you need a test fee waiver.
If your college requests additional financial aid forms, complete and return them ASAP!
Some aid is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Returning forms in a timely
manner helps ensure that you will receive the best financial aid package.
Complete your High School and Beyond Plan.
Check with your counselor and make sure you’re on-track to meet graduation
requirements.
Write thank you notes to everyone who helped you during your college application process.
Family Checklist
If your child plans to take the SAT, make sure he or she is registered. Have your child talk to the counselor if a test fee waiver is needed.
If any of the college requests additional financial aid forms, be sure your child completes and return them ASAP! Returning forms in a timely manner helps ensure that you will receive the best financial aid package.
Encourage your child to check with the counselor and make sure he or she is on-track to meet graduation requirements.
Visit gearup.wa.gov/students-families to learn more and access resources to help your child make a plan.