Student Survey: Top Questions About the FAFSA Asked And Answered
Thank you to the Ask Benji students (users) who completed the open-ended survey at the end of March. Our team has compiled the top responses and some quick answers to get you on your way to completing your 2023-24 FAFSA application. Our goal in asking “why” you hadn’t completed your FAFSA application was to see how we could assist and provide additional FAFSA application information before graduation. Our aim is for every student to understand how the FAFSA application can help a student obtain financial assistance beyond taking out student loans. Ask Benji’s goal is that students don’t leave free federal aid on the table!
Here are some of the top responses.
I don’t think my grades are good enough.
High School grades don’t and shouldn’t impact you starting your FAFSA application or submitting the application. Once you’ve been admitted to a college, university, or vocational school, your grades may play a factor in staying eligible for financial aid during your program.
You will want to follow the above link to get started. You must set up your account and have access to some critical documents while navigating the FAFSA process.
Do I need to do the 2023–24 FAFSA application to apply to college?
The FAFSA is not required, but students do need to also apply to college to use the FAFSA application. If you complete the FAFSA application, you might be eligible for federal assistance and/or the Pell Grant to help with the cost of school at an accredited college, university, or vocational program. Arizona students can use the Pell Grant to help make school more accessible, and grants do not require students to pay back the funds.
You and your parents must take steps to get your application started and submitted. You will want to follow the above link to get an overview of the FAFSA application. You will want to create an FSA ID, and a parent will also need to create one.
Where can I get help?
If you/your family need more 1:1 help, you can connect with our partners at the Statewide FAFSA Completion Support team, who can assist. They provide support virtually, in Spanish and English, and work with AZ students.
You can complete your FAFSA signature digitally or through paper; the digital signature is more time efficient. If you need more help, follow the link we attached. Please verify that the information on the application is correct. If you have done the above and need more assistance, please contact our AZ FAFSA experts.
Can I use the 2023–24 FAFSA application at a technical or Vocational school?
Yes! Arizona has some great Community Colleges that have technical and vocational programs! You can use the 2023–24 FAFSA application to help you if you attend a vocational or technical school as long as it’s accredited. If you want assistance with college and career questions, our partners at College Depot can help you virtually or in person.
My parents need to complete their taxes this year.
All Senior High School students graduating in 2023 and planning to start college/university/vocational school in 2023-2024 will need the 2021 tax information from their parents for the 2023–24 FAFSA application. Parents will not need the 2022 tax documents for the 2023–24 FAFSA application.
I don’t know what colleges/vocational schools are still taking admission applications.
Most of our Arizona Community College and state universities are still taking applications and have late summer enrollment. However, the sooner you apply, the more time you will work with your intended school during your first semester. If you need assistance, our friends at College Depot can assist with the college application process and scholarships.
What is adjusted gross income? /My parents make too much.
Your parents or legal guardian can impact the federal grants you might be eligible for, but it won’t limit you from getting access to work study or scholarships. Colleges and Universities will use the FAFSA application to help factor in other internal school aid amounts.
Your parents must set up their FSA ID and provide their 2021 tax information. Parents can review how they can assist in the process by reading this attached article about parent tips for the FAFSA application.
How will my school take the FAFSA application? /Does the FAFSA application have a deadline?
You should ensure the school you selected accepts the federal aid the FAFSA application can provide for college, vocational school, or university. The current FAFSA application is good for the 2023-2024 Academic year. Please work with your intended school’s financial and admission office to ensure it’s a good fit for you.
I don’t plan on going to college this year/not sure I will get in.
Hopefully, the above questions have helped you see that there are great resources in Arizona that want to help students make plans for life after high school. You can pursue a career or college; your FAFSA application is more than just signing up for loans. Our Arizona community colleges offer great resources for students, and this Fall, some of the Maricopa Colleges will be offering four-year BS/BA programs.
I am just trying to complete my last semester.
That’s understandable. If you haven’t thought about what happens after May/June of this year, you can work with our friends at College Depot; they can help you virtually or in person. They do college and career prep, and if you don’t know what you want to do after high school graduation, take this free career assessment to help guide you on your next steps!
You can use our Ask Benji chatbot (text-based service) to get text assistance from our intelligent AI Benji chatbot relating to more of your FAFSA questions. Text “hi Benji” to 602-786-8171 to get ask Benji more questions! Ask Benji's goal is for the Arizona high school student to know the readily available resources and partners here to help them as they plan for life post-graduation.
**Our team has also partnered with the Statewide FAFSA Completion Support team, College Depot, College Connect, NACRC, and MEC to reach all the students in Arizona looking at their next phase of college and career pathway opportunities.
