FAFSA application now open for Class of 2022

October 14, 2021

Members of the Class of 2022 interested in attending college can now apply for financial aid with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid now open for the 2021-22 academic year. 

Students whose families have been impacted by the pandemic, with themselves or family members losing employment or reduction in wages, are encouraged to apply because they may be eligible for an adjustment to their potential financial aid.

Every year PfISD Postsecondary Readiness also encourages seniors to complete the FAFSA form as soon as possible when the application window opens, since there are limited funds available through the federal program and waiting to apply could result in fewer funds being available to students qualifying for financial aid. Our goal is to have all seniors and their parents complete and submit the FAFSA by December 17. Completing the FAFSA allows students to access scholarships, grants, and loans. 

Students can learn more about federal financial aid and complete the FAFSA form by visiting www.studentaid.gov. Parents and students are encouraged to follow the 8 Steps to Completing the FAFSA form. Our campus College and Career Advisors and Counseling teams are also prepared to assist students anytime.

In addition to providing assistance to students during the day, PfISD is again hosting FAFSA Saturday events to assist students and parents with application completion. Students and parents may attend any FAFSA Saturday or make an appointment with the CCA for assistance during the school day. Register and attend one of our in-district FAFSA Saturdays using the links below. 

Students can get assistance with the FAFSA application process through the College Board as well. The organization offers a free online FAFSA virtual assistant chat feature called Wyatt that can walk you through the application process and help to make sure students don’t miss any steps. 

The College Board also gives students a chance to win a $500 scholarship for completing steps in the college application process through the College Board Opportunity Scholarship. Complete six college planning steps for six separate chances at $500. When students finish all six, they will be entered into a drawing for a $40,000 scholarship, but students can still earn money even if they don’t complete them all. To learn more about the six steps and scholarships being awarded by the College Board, please visit: https://opportunity.collegeboard.org/.

In 2019, the 86th Texas Legislature established the new requirement for Texas students to complete a financial aid application (or formally opt out) in order to graduate. The State Board of Education (SBOE) adopted rules related to the new requirement in January 2021. Chapter 74, Curriculum Requirements, Subchapter B. Graduation Requirements (effective August 1, 2021). Review the District FAFSA Participation Guidelines and learn about opt-out options. This is both a state and district Graduation Requirement.

PfISD Postsecondary Readiness also has created a PfISD Senior Checklist with monthly tasks to keep students on track with applying for college admission, financial aid, scholarships and more. The list includes information to help students get started using the new PFISD Postsecondary Readiness platform – SchooLinks. Students log in today to access tools to help you meet your postsecondary goals.

Completing both the FAFSA and a college application are PfISD graduation requirements and both are included on the PfISD Senior Checklist as reminders.

For more information or to get assistance in beginning their college application process, seniors are encouraged to contact the college and career readiness counselors on their respective campuses as well as their school counselor.

Important Class of 2022 Links:
FAFSA Info & Application
College Board Opportunity Scholarships
Wyatt Online FAFSA Personal Assistant
PfISD Senior Checklist