Avoid Long Lines and Frustration?? Am I Dreaming?

Spring is in the air! There is always something exciting about the first blossoms of spring and knowing that within a few short weeks the temperature will be warming up and we will be well on our way to summer. In financial aid, we are in the middle of spring time also. We are enjoying the calm before the storm, and by “storm” I am referring to Fall registration. So, you may be thinking “How in the world can I avoid standing in those long lines at Financial Aid?” If you were not thinking that and were still focused on summer vacation, fear not, you might still find this useful!

FAFSA Tips and Pointers!

• Start Early! By submitting your FAFSA early (beginning January 1st, 2009) you will ensure yourself access to ALL of the financial aid award programs, and the opportunity to have all of your financial aid completed before you begin classes. Complete your FAFSA here: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ Also make sure you are aware of Greenville Tech's Priority Deadlines: http://prod.campuscruiser.com/q?pg=home_news&tg=News-detail&id=111178&cx=22.168
  


• Be Accurate! We all realize that the FAFSA can be confusing. So, consult the guide on the FAFSA’s website that walks you through the process. By ensuring that your information is accurate, you will greatly decrease the length of time it will take to complete your financial aid file.
  


• Follow Up! Once you submit your FAFSA, expect a letter from our office letting you know if we need any additional information, or letting you know all of the financial aid you have been awarded. If we have requested any documents to be returned…make sure they are returned in a timely manner.
  


• Read! There will always be instructions that accompany any financial aid mailing. Take a few moments to read all of these instructions and you could potentially avoid a trip to the financial aid office, or solve your problem with a simple phone call. Remember, financial aid does not have to be confusing; make it rewarding!
  


• Be Thorough! Double checking and triple checking your financial aid forms is always a good idea. Once again, by ensuring that your forms are accurate and complete, you exponentially decrease the time it will take to complete your financial aid file. Make sure all necessary steps are followed to receive certain awards (Complete Entrance Loan Counseling at http://mappingyourfuture.org/ and a Master Promissory Note with your chosen lender: http://www.salliemae.com/ , https://www.wachovia.com/personal/page/0,,325_496,00.html, http://www.slc.sc.edu/students/signapromissorynotempn.aspx if you have been awarded a student loan).
  


• Remain Positive! Make your financial aid work for you. Take advantage of all financial aid that has been awarded to you and use it as a tool to empower your future. Take advantage of the resources and information around you and take a proactive step in your financial aid. By remaining focused and positive you can ensure that your financial aid package is best tailored to you.

All of these tips can greatly impact the effectiveness of your financial aid experience. Our financial aid staff is devoted to helping our students obtain the best financial aid awards packages available. By following these tips above we feel that you will have a more rewarding experience in financial aid and truly benefit from all that financial aid has to offer!