FAFSA Information for Seniors

Seniors who plan to attend:

• College: anyone applying to a 2 or 4-year college

• Trade School: students entering a vocational, career, or technical program

WV financial aid and many scholarships require FAFSA completion, regardless of income status.

Create Your StudentAid.gov Account

Both students and parents (contributors) should create or verify their StudentAid.gov accounts (FSA IDs) before October 1.

Gather Important Information

Be prepared to provide:

• Social Security Number (if applicable)
• Date of birth
• Contact information
• 2025 federal tax information and records

The FAFSA will automatically pull much of the tax information directly from the IRS.

Parent Participation Is Important

Most seniors will be considered dependent students, meaning parent information will be required on the FAFSA.

Parents must:

• Have their own StudentAid.gov account
• Accept the FAFSA invitation from their student
• Provide required financial information

Completing both the student and parent portions promptly will help avoid processing delays.

Why File Early?

Many financial aid programs award funds on a first-come, first-served basis. Filing early can help maximize eligibility for:

• Federal grants
• State aid programs
• Institutional scholarships
• Work-study opportunities

Colleges and states may have priority deadlines that occur long before the federal deadline.

Need Help?

Berkeley County School Counseling Departments are here to support students and families throughout the financial aid process. Watch for upcoming:

• FAFSA Completion Nights
• Financial Aid Workshops
• One-on-One FAFSA Assistance Opportunities

For questions, please contact your School Counseling Office.

Remember: Apply early. Ask questions. Don't leave free money on the table!