Help for the Uninitiated on Student-Aid Applications

Tennessee high schools and colleges are trying to demystify the way students apply for financial aid. The new year is the kickoff for the application process, known as the FAFSA, which is required to get lottery scholarships.

The FAFSA can intimidate newcomers wrestling with jargon like ‘adjusted gross income.’ If a student’s parents aren’t together, just knowing which one to put down can be a tough call, says John Doerge of the accounting firm Deloitte.

“This form can be stumbling block to people getting into college. There are people that begin this process and find it so daunting it’s enough for them to change the direction of their life, and that’s unfortunate.”

That’s why schools and universities are hosting events for students to bring in their tax returns and bank statements, and get help applying — kicking off at Middle Tennessee State this Saturday morning. Find more details here.

Doerge says this month Deloitte will help a couple hundred families through similar events at Metro high schools:

Thursday, January 10 – McGavock High School
Pizza at 5:00 p.m. and FAFSA assistance at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 17 – Antioch High School (also targeting Cane Ridge High)
Pizza at 5:00 p.m. and FAFSA assistance at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 24 – Overton High School (also targeting Glencliff High)
Pizza at 5:30 p.m. and FAFSA assistance at 6:00 p.m.