Ep. 3: The FAFSA Frustration
Students at Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics wait in the hallways for a chance to speak to their college counselor.
“September, October, November, it’s a really hectic time. I can see from 50 to 70 students a day.”
Nusrath Uddin reported this story as a junior at Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics.
By Nusrath Uddin
Every year thousands of students fill out the FAFSA, a form designed to help working class families receive financial aid for college. Simple right? Fill out a form, get some money, go to college. Well, not quite.
The FAFSA isn’t as easy to complete as it may seem. It encompasses 180 questions ranging from your family dynamics, to how much you and your parents earn, to citizenship and immigration status.
Not only are there many questions, but they are often confusing. Those in most need of the FAFSA’s support, low-income and first-gen students, are often the ones who struggle the most. Some students’ parents don’t speak English well, so they have to take on the extra effort of translating. Others are in unique living situations, and might not fit neatly into the categories the FAFSA wants.
The process is time-consuming and draining.
Check out my episode to hear directly from students who have experience filling out the form, as well as people who provide FAFSA and college readiness support.
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