Iowa College Access Network (ICAN) Tip of the Week: |
Common sense media:
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Free FAFSA completion appointments
The 2023-24 FAFSA opens by December 31 (per new changes to the FAFSA).
Need help with your FAFSA? The locations below offer FREE help when you make an appointment:
Need help with your FAFSA? The locations below offer FREE help when you make an appointment:
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UNI Educational Opportunity Center (don't have to be attending UNI)
Ruth Palmer - Counselor 800 Sycamore Street Waterloo, IA 45 minute appointments 319-273-4772 Iowa College Access Network (ICAN) John Holland - Student Success Advisor University of Northern Iowa (don't have to be attending UNI) 2700 Gilchrist Hall - Student Success & Retention Cedar Falls, IA Available Monday-Friday 8:00-4:00, virtual & face-to-face 319-423-7703 or click here to schedule Waterloo Career Center TBA No appointment needed Hawkeye Community College Financial Aid Office By appointment (must plan to attend HCC) Register here |
Miss our financial aid night?
Our Understanding Financial Aid Night was held virtually early in December.
The meeting provided information on:
- getting your FSA ID username and password
- priority filing dates for 2024 graduates
- completing your FAFSA online
- understanding college costs
- financial need
- calculating your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
You can watch it HERE!
And here's the session handouts on FAFSA filing tips and helpful hints provided by ICAN:
ICAN Financial Aid Guide
What to Bring to File the FAFSA (Class of 2024)
Why File the FAFSA
Junior/Senior Countdown to College
The meeting provided information on:
- getting your FSA ID username and password
- priority filing dates for 2024 graduates
- completing your FAFSA online
- understanding college costs
- financial need
- calculating your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
You can watch it HERE!
And here's the session handouts on FAFSA filing tips and helpful hints provided by ICAN:
ICAN Financial Aid Guide
What to Bring to File the FAFSA (Class of 2024)
Why File the FAFSA
Junior/Senior Countdown to College
FAFSA Step-by-Step
Understanding the FSA ID:
What is it? The FSA ID is a username and password which has replaced the Federal Student Aid PIN. How is the FSA ID used? The FSA ID is used to log into certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID confirms your identity when you access your financial aid information and electronically sign Federal Student Aid documents (FAFSA). How do I get an FSA ID? You can create a FSA ID HERE. |
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- I noticed that (a program you’re interested in) has these (benefits, criteria, rewards, etc.) for students. Can you tell me more about it?This can be anything from a scholarship, an athletic program, an honors program, internships, or study abroad. Asking this question shows that you have done your research about this program the college is offering and you want to know more. It communicates interest—a key ingredient in the offer of admission decision. For you, the answer to this question helps you learn more about programs that interest you. It will also show you how the college values student interest and has designed programs to meet those student needs.
- What does the college do to assist students with career planning, internships, and future job placement?This question shows the college that you are concerned about your future. The purpose of any college is to not only provide students with a valuable education, but to prepare them for a career after graduation. Asking this question shows you are aware of these ultimate goals. For you, the answer to this question will determine whether your education is worth the investment. The college should have programs in place to assist you with career development and job placement. These programs are critical during college and after graduation.
- What preparations has the college made to deal with emergencies, such as school shootings, violent crimes, and extreme weather conditions?This question communicates your concern for safety—something many students don’t even consider. By asking this question, you show the interviewer that you have thought about campus safety and are thinking as an independent adult. For you, this question will not only make you feel more secure on campus, but your parents will rest easy knowing that preparations and plans are in place to deal with emergencies.
- Why should I choose your college?This gives the interviewer an opportunity to tell you what’s different about their college and what they have to offer that’s different from other colleges. Remember that the college you choose to attend will ultimately be your final decision and this information will help you make an informed decision.
- What advice would you give me as an incoming freshman?Not only will this give the interviewer an opportunity to dispense advice (and who doesn’t like to do that?), but the advice you receive can be helpful when you enter college. The answer will be an indicator of the kind of student who attends the college, but it will also give you an idea of what the college can offer incoming freshman. Listen carefully and attentively—this advice could change your whole college experience.
A key thing to remember is that the college decision is your decision. Colleges seem to have the power during the interview process, but the interview is also your opportunity to clarify your choices and learn more about the college. Approaching this interview with this in mind will help you relax and be more confident. Asking questions shows the colleges that you are strong, independent and will be making an informed decision.
(Taken from TeenLife Blog; 8/29/14)
alcohol consumption & binge drinkingDid you catch my newsletter article about alcohol consumption and binge drinking? Want to learn more about improving communication between you and your student? Or how to help your child develop assertiveness? How about learn why students choose to binge drink?
Click here to download Tuft University's copy of "A Parent Handbook for Talking with College Students About Alcohol" |
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Backpack program
Sponsored and coordinated by the Northeast Iowa Food Bank and Feeding America, the goal of the BackPack Program is to send children in need home from school with foods that are shelf-stable, kid-friendly and healthy. The foods are easily prepared and consumed when parents are working and can’t prepare meals for their children, or when there simply isn’t enough food at home for the children to eat. The backpack foods are intended for the student and not to replace a family meal. If a family has more than one child in school, each child will receive their own backpack to take home. The foods are discreetly distributed to children so they look no different going home at the end of the day than any other child.
This program ensures that children come to school alert and ready to learn. Studies have shown that students perform better in school when they eat three balanced meals each day (Northeast Iowa Food Bank website, December 2012). If you know a child that could benefit from this program, please contact Amy Kriz at [email protected] and/or complete the Registration Form and return to UHS.
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