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College Planning

4 Questions to ask when picking a college

 

  • Scoir
    Why do you want to go to college?
    What are three things you want to accomplish during your college years?
    What type of learning environment is best for you?
    How do you define a “good” education?

 

Writing College Admissions Essays

US News - 10 Tips for the College Application Essay 

WOW Writing Workshop - Tips from an MSU Admissions Officer

FAFSA

The 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is now available! You can complete the form to apply for financial aid for attendance at college or career school between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.

If you successfully submitted your FAFSA form during the beta testing period, you don’t need to resubmit it.

What is the FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that is submitted by students to determine their financial aid eligibility. It is a required form for federal student aid, such as the Pell Grant and work study, as well as most State of Michigan aid programs like the Michigan Achievement Scholarship (Michigan Achievement Scholarship). Most students complete this free form online, however there are other options as well. Many students and families are able to complete this form in 30 minutes or less.

FAFSA forms submitted online will typically be processed in one to three days. Once your form is processed, you’ll be able to review your FAFSA Submission Summary and your FAFSA information will be made available to your selected schools.

You also can make updates or corrections (such as adding a school or a missing signature) to your FAFSA form.

All students—whether they plan to attend college full-time or part-time—are encouraged to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application. Even if you think you might not be eligible for federal aid, submitting the FAFSA can be important for several reasons:

Why Complete the FAFSA?

  1. Eligibility for Federal Aid:
    • Completing the FAFSA is the first step to access federal financial aid. This includes grants (like the Pell Grant), work-study programs, and federal student loans.
  2. State Aid:
    • Many states offer state-based financial aid, which may require the FAFSA for eligibility. Some states have early deadlines for state aid, so completing the FAFSA on time is crucial.
    • Students must complete the current year FAFSA to be considered for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship Michigan Achievement Scholarship),including the Community College Guarantee (Community College Guarantee).
  3. Institutional Aid:
    • Colleges and universities often use FAFSA data to determine eligibility for their own scholarships and institutional aid programs. Some schools may even require FAFSA completion for non-federal aid.
  4. Financial Aid for Private Scholarships:
    • Some private scholarships or external funding organizations require the FAFSA to help determine need-based awards.
  5. Changes in Financial Status:
    • If a student or family’s financial situation changes, the FAFSA may help provide access to additional aid or accommodations through schools or federal programs.
  6. Simplification of the Process:
    • With recent FAFSA simplifications, the application is more straightforward than it was in the past, making it easier for students to complete the form.

Prepare To Fill Out the 2025–26 FAFSA® Form

Here are some ways you can get ready to fill out your FAFSA form:

Apply now!   FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid

For more information on the college application process, students are encouraged to contact their LOHS counselor.  Please visit the LOHS Counseling webpage for more information.