Central to the meeting was a detailed presentation by Donald Kerr, director of student lending and college services, who provided an overview of the FAFSA process. Kerr outlined three essential steps for completing the FAFSA: preparation, information gathering, and the application process itself. He stressed the importance of applying for financial aid, addressing common misconceptions about eligibility. Kerr noted that financial aid is not restricted to traditional four-year institutions and can also be applied to trade schools and some foreign institutions. He advised that all students should apply for financial aid, emphasizing the broad eligibility criteria, which include being a U.S. citizen, holding a high school diploma, and attending a Title IV institution.

The presentation covered the types of aid available: financial aid determined by a family’s financial situation, and merit aid based on student achievements. Kerr highlighted that the FAFSA form is free to file and can be shared with up to 20 colleges at once, making it a valuable tool for families. He also mentioned the CSS Profile, required by around 250 mostly private colleges, which incurs a minimal fee. The importance of maintaining satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving aid was emphasized, along with the necessity of meeting each college’s priority deadline for financial aid applications.

The meeting also delved into practical steps for completing the FAFSA, including the need to create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID, which both the student and at least one parent must have. Parents were advised to use personal email addresses for this process, avoiding school emails that may become inaccessible post-graduation. The application process is divided between students and parents, and it is recommended that parents complete their section first to streamline the process.

A significant improvement discussed was the introduction of a consent form allowing the IRS to share tax data directly with schools, thereby simplifying the process by eliminating the need for families to gather prior year tax returns and W2 statements. This new procedure aims to ensure accuracy and reduce the workload on families, enabling a smoother application process.

In addition to financial aid application procedures, the meeting explored various strategies to mitigate college costs. Participants were encouraged to consider staying in-state to benefit from regional discounts, such as those offered by the New England Board of Higher Education, which can provide an average savings of $7,500 annually. The discussion covered options like taking Advanced Placement courses to earn college credits early, which can reduce overall tuition costs. Additional suggestions included considering off-campus living arrangements, becoming a resident assistant to cover tuition and board costs, and selecting meal plans that fit students’ schedules.

Scholarship opportunities were highlighted as a crucial component of financial planning. High school guidance counselors were recommended as valuable resources for identifying scholarships, with a specific mention of a local Norton scholarship program offering 70 to 80 scholarships for seniors. The importance of engaging with these opportunities was underscored, despite reminders often going unheeded by students.

The meeting also addressed the MCCAST exam, which, although no longer a graduation requirement, remains a state requirement. It was noted that performing well on this exam could lead to scholarships, such as the Adams scholarship for top-performing students. For further assistance with financial aid, families were advised to contact college financial aid offices and the Department of Education for resources and support.