The Voice - Student Newspaper

Financial aid troubles

Countless students do not realize the multiple steps that must be taken to earn their financial aid.

Many students seem to presently file the application, anticipate, and cross their fingers for the best. The truth is students do not read the fine print on the application and paperwork containing the proper information to have them even placed in the "consider" category.

The upcoming Fall Semester 2008, students received their letters informing them unfortunately they were dropped or not accepted for the financial aid they need to attend Glendale Community College (GCC), causing them to delay furthering their education.

The new policy requires that students always spell out their information of being a United States citizen, unless they're a proper name citizen, or they have a high school diploma, GED, or the approved benefit test with up to standard scores.

However, they also have to admit to a degree or certificate program that can be earned at GCC. Many stundents have to present records of their earnings in the previous year aswell as bank statements that prove they are currently in need of financial aid. It's in the student's best interest to keep a copy of these records during the evaluation process and to present to the GCC Financial Aid Office.

"I had missing paperwork that I needed to do for financial aid and they informed me that all of it won't be fully processed until October, and that I can either pay what I could and be reimbursed in October, or just wait until Spring," comments Grace White, GCC student.

The evaluation period is based on attendance in the immediate prior Spring, Fall, and Summer terms. For example, for the 2008-2009 school year, the progress will be evaluated on Spring 2008, Fall 2007, and Summer 2007.

"Check in with the financial aid office as soon you enroll, and make sure your paperwork goes through," explains White.

Optimistically, these students will be waiting to join the campus and will be attending the following semester.