Why Completing the FAFSA Is Important: Unlocking Financial Aid for College

Presented by Michelle Snape, College and Career Navigator at Northwood High School (Montgomery County Public Schools)

Paying for college begins with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Whether you plan to attend a two-year college, four-year university, or career and technical program, submitting the FAFSA can open the door to grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and federal student loans.

Join us for this informative virtual session to learn why completing the FAFSA is one of the most important steps in the college planning process. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how the FAFSA works, what information is needed to complete it, and how filing early can maximize financial aid opportunities.

What You’ll Learn

Participants will:

• Understand what the FAFSA is and why it is required for many forms of financial aid
• Learn what documents and information are needed before completing the FAFSA
• Explore the different types of financial aid available through the FAFSA, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans
• Learn common FAFSA mistakes and how to avoid them
• Gain tips for submitting the FAFSA accurately and on time

About the Presenter

Michelle Snape serves as the College & Career Navigator at Northwood High School in Montgomery County Public Schools, where she leads college and career readiness programming for approximately 1,700 students in grades 9–12. With more than 16 years in education, Michelle has helped hundreds of students navigate the college admissions and financial aid process. She is also the founder of Ask Snape LLC, an educational consulting company dedicated to helping students and families successfully plan for life after high school.