Weekly College Update

Dear Bulldogs, Thunderbirds, Huskies, and Snow Leopards,

I hope you had very restful, rejuvenating breaks. Welcome to your LAST semester of high school. Can you believe it?

While applications will continue to be due in January and February, there is another really important priority that we need to start working on-- how to pay for college!

This week’s focus is Cash for College Night.

                           

Applying for financial aid can be a complicated process, and it feels overwhelming for a lot of students and families. We know how stressful it can be and we are here to help! On Thursday, January 14th at 6:00 pm, Summit will host Cash for College Nights in Redwood City (Everest) and San Jose (Rainier).On these nights, we bring in experts from local colleges to help you and your parents complete the most important financial aid applications-- the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the Dream Act application for undocumented students. I strongly encourage all of you to attend this event if you can possibly make it. Last year, many families were able to complete and submit their FAFSA that night!

When you come to Cash for College Night, you should bring the following to help you complete the application:

• Driver's license, if you have one

• Social Security card or number, if you have one

• Most recent tax returns with either 2014 or 2015 income information (both you and parents)

• 2015 bank statements

• Any records of untaxed income such as welfare benefits, Social Security benefits, or child support payments

• List of colleges you’re interested in attending

If you don’t have all of these materials, that’s all right. Bring as much as you have and join us to learn more about the financial aid application process. We look forward to seeing you next Thursday!

Ms. Hannon
Director of College Readiness
khannon@summitps.org