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FAFSA and Oregon Promise Information

September 7th, 2022|

For EDGE families with seniors, check out the following information about upcoming financial aid deadlines and some step-by-step instructions for some scholarship programs. Please check out our full College and Career site here!

FINANCIAL AID

Students should complete their financial aid application as soon after October 1st (senior year) as possible.

FAFSA Steps: To apply a student must have a social security number and be a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen.

FAFSA – Preparing for the FAFSA – English/Spanish

FSA ID – Create an electronic signature using your social security number for the FAFSA Application (student and at least 1 parent should create an FSA ID)

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – Opens each academic year on October 1. To apply a student must have a social security number and be a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen.

Do I need to provide Parent information on my Financial Aid Application? – Most students will need to provide parent information on their financial aid application. This form will help you not only determine if you need parent information, it will also help you identify your “Financial Aid Parent(s)” if you live with only one of your parents.

Financial Aid Verification – 30% of students are randomly selected, and those who are must provide all financial aid offices at the schools you applied additional documentation before being awarded your final financial aid award letter. Learn more about verification and how to complete the process ENGLISH/SPANISH

Federal Student Aid Contact Information – Federal website to help students/parents understand federal financial aid.

ORSAA Steps: – An alternative to the FAFSA for undocumented Oregon students, including students who have (DACA (deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status. Do NOT complete the ORSAA if you are a U.S. citizen or legal non-citizen with an alien registration number. Contact OSAC with questions: ORSAAhelp@hecc.oregon.gov or 800-452-8807. Support available Monday – Friday 8am – 4:30pm.

Consejos ORSAA en español

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ORSAA? Contact OSAC with questions: ORSAAhelp@hecc.oregon.gov or 800-452-8807. Support available Monday – Friday 8am – 4:30pm.

HELPFUL FAFSA/ORSAA VIDEOS and STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS

Understanding Financial Aid Virtual Presentation –FINANCIAL AID OVERVIEW (English)

Comprensión de la presentación virtual de ayuda financiera – Presentación de ayuda financiera – Español

FAFSA APPLICATION STEP-BY STEP VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS Complete your FAFSA Application with assistance using these STEP-BY-STEP Video Directions for each section of the FAFSA Application

  1. STARTING THE FAFSA: English Presentation/ SpanishTranslation
  2. STUDENT DEMOGRAPHICS: English Presentation/ Spanish Translation
  3. DEPENDENCY STATUS: English Presentation/ Spanish Translation
  4. FINANCIAL INFORMATION & HOUSEHOLD SIZE: English Presentation/ Spanish Translation
  5. SCHOOL CODES, SIGNATURES & SUBMISSION: English Presentation/ Spanish Translation

OREGON PROMISE

Oregon Promise is a state grant that helps to cover tuition costs at any Oregon community college for recent high school graduates. Oregon Promise is for students with a 2.5 or higher unweighted GPA by the end of their time in high school. Oregon Promise eligibility is determined each year by the Oregon State Legislature. I encourage ALL students eligible to apply…because determination of eligibility does not occur until after applications are usually due.

EARLY GRADS – there are Important things to consider if you are graduating before June.  Check with your counselor if this is you!

Oregon Promise Step By Step (English)

Instrucciones para llenar la aplicación de Oregon Promise (Spanish)

COLLEGE TESTING

SAT: SAT Registration and Upcoming SAT Test Dates

  • SAT Khan Academy – FREE – Use Khan Academy to create personalized practice tests for the SAT

ACT: ACT Registration and Upcoming ACT Test Dates

  • ACT Academy – FREE – Personalized practice tests for ACT Test Preparation
  • NEW CHANGES to ACT TEST in 2020 – Find out more HERE

NEED AN SAT/ACT Fee Waiver? Check with your counselor to see next steps!

***Many colleges/universities across the nation are not requiring college testing scores. HOWEVER, please check with each institution about their requirements. Many may not require SAT/ACT score for admission, yet may use them to decide scholarship awards. I would still encourage students to take an ACT/SAT this year.

APPLYING TO COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES:

ALL Seniors should apply to Chemeketa Community College – whether it’s your first choice, or a solid back-up plan.

Apply for Admission to Chemeketa Community College – make sure you choose the option that you are a “high school graduate” because you will be when you begin classes at Chemeketa.

Help with Oregon College/University Applications Videos that walk through completing the applications of Oregon colleges can now be found on the Apply page of the Oregon Goes to College Website. Or, find the full playlist on YouTube.

Oregon Community Colleges – Find your college application deadlines, application fees and watch step-by step videos on how to apply to Public Universities in the State of Oregon (not all colleges have application videos at this time)

Oregon Public Universities – Find your college application deadlines, application fees and watch step-by step videos on how to apply to Public Universities in the State of Oregon (all public schools have application videos)

Oregon Private Universities – Find your college application deadlines, application fees and watch step-by step videos on how to apply to Public Universities in the State of Oregon (all private schools have application videos)

Applying to an Ivy League School – helpful article with links/information about applying to Ivy League schools

How to Complete the Common Application Step by Step – VIDEOS

Part 1: Set up and College Selection (3 mins 6 sec)

Part 2: Profile (5 mins 50 sec)

Part 3: Family (2 mins 14 sec)

Part 4: Education (8 mins 16 sec)

Part 5: Testing (1 min 52 sec)

Part 6: Activities (2 mins 20 sec)

Part 7: College – Specific Supplements (2 mins 52 sec)