Class of 2027 Info
FAFSA (WASFA for migrant or undocumented families) completion is a North Beach HS graduation requirement. Additionally, students completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid studentaid.gov in October, November, or December are shown to receive up to 30% more free aid than students who file later in their senior year.
Universities with propietary scholarships or "Early Decision" deadlines will require the FAFSA/WASFA be completed first, even if you feel you are ineligible for federal aid. Many 2 yr, 4 yr, or technical programs require this, as well as at least 50% of scholarship applications.
Both the student AND parent or guardian need to have their own account or FSA ID. This can be completed well before the October 1st application opening and it is recommended you do this as soon as possible.
- More tips:
- have your social security number, PERSONAL email, and parent email available when starting
- make sure that you use your LEGAL name as it is written on your social security card
- name differences can delay funds for months when completing college registration
- know your mailing and street addresses if they are different
- make sure that you complete the 2027-2028 application, not the 2026-2027 form. You are applying for the year that you will graduate and start postsecondary programs.
- take a screenshot or write your username and password in a place you know that you can find it. Having to reset a forgotten password requires a call to the FSA hotline and can take over an hour of time on hold, if peak call times.
Common App, which we will discuss more in meetings at the beginning of your senior year, is the best method to apply for multiple universities, nationwide. Instead of completing applications containing the same information over and over again, most U.S. universities are accepting the CommonApp. This allows you to complete your personal information and a basic essay one time, choosing whichever colleges that interest you, then complete their individual requirements.
ALL North Beach HS students are eligible for an application fee waiver. You will choose the fee waiver option for individual colleges.
It will ask for your waiver eligibility reasons, which you will state BOTH eligibility for Free and Reduced Lunch, since all NBSD students receive free lunch benefits AND eligibility for community-based organization resources, where you will check the GEAR UP box. Some colleges will ask for a downloaded copy of the NACAC fee waiver form, which I can provide you listing the eligibility information in a digital format, making it easy for you to upload to your application. If you need this, please email me with the college name, and I can complete the remaining information before sending it to you through email.
As you go forward applying for scholarships, financial aid, colleges, or any other future planning, make sure that you use your PERSONAL email address, not your school email. The school district's safety system blocks correspondence from entities outside of the district and will not be available to you after graduation.
Last, make sure to check each university's application deadline. Some deadlines come very early in your senior year, starting in October.
Each year on August 1, Common App launches its updated application with the latest information. Fortunately, students don’t have to wait until then if they want to begin working on their application.
With account rollover, students can create an account now, begin filling in key details, and carry over most of that information when the new application cycle opens. It’s a great way to explore the application early, especially for students comparing college options or getting a head start on planning. ~From Common App updates feed