Ready, Set, FAFSA!

Series held in partnership with the Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) Group, the Minnesota Department of Education, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the Minnesota Association of Financial Aid Administrators (MAFAA). Visit the Minnesota Goes to College website for more resources.

Session #1: Apply for Financial Aid - FAFSA

Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Suggested audience: Students are either eligible for the FAFSA or the MN Dream Act, not both. Choose one "Apply for Financial Aid" session based on your eligibility. FAFSA is for 12th grade students who are U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens, and their parent(s)/guardian(s). 

In Minnesota, ALL students should apply for financial aid using one of two applications! The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the most commonly used form - and is for students who are U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens. We will provide insight on specific sections of your application, tips to avoid common errors and more. Financial aid experts will be available to answer your questions in the Q & A during the session. 

Session #2: Apply for Financial Aid - MN Dream Act

Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. 

Suggested audience: Students are either eligible for the FAFSA or the MN Dream Act, not both. Choose one "Apply for Financial Aid" session based on your eligibility. MN Dream Act is for 12th grade students who are undocumented, and their parent(s)/guardian(s). 

In Minnesota, ALL students should apply for financial aid using one of two applications! If you are an undocumented student, you will not complete the FAFSA -- but you may still be eligible to receive State financial aid and in-state resident tuition by submitting the Minnesota Dream Act application. We will provide insight on specific sections of your application, tips to avoid common errors and more. Financial aid experts will be available to answer your questions in the Q & A during the session. 

Session #3: Search for Scholarships

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Suggested audience: 10th, 11th, 12th grade students and their parent(s)/guardian(s)

Want to know more about earning free money for college? Learn how to search and apply for scholarships to help you pay for your education after high school. We will highlight specific scholarships, provide tools to keep you organized, and tips to make your application stand out!

Session #4: Understand Your Aid Offer

Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Suggested audience: 12th grade students and their parent(s)/guardian(s)

Understanding your financial aid offer can be complicated, especially if you applied to more than one college or university. This session will help you understand how to read and compare them.

Session #5: Earn College Credit in High School

Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Suggested audience: 8th-11th grade students and their parent(s)/guardian(s)

Join us to learn about the different ways high school students can earn college credit while in high school. We will discuss Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, and explain the differences between Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) and College in the High School. We will provide some benefits of the different programs and courses, eligibility requirements, and how to access these options.