Understanding the Financial Aid?
What's the best way to understand how the whole financial aid process works?
I agree we should just let that department answer those questions. I am coming from a different department at my school, and although I may know the answers I still let that department come in and talk to them. You just never know what may have changed since you have been gone.
At first I was disappointed to learn that I wouldn't be learning about FA due to the fact we aren't allowed to talk about it with a student, other than to let them know it's available and then refer them to FA; however, now I am greatful for having one less thing to worry about.
This is the policy in our program. We refer specific questions to our financial aid experts.
I think its important to refer the student to the financial aid department, that way they can discuss their financial aid options with a qualified financial aid representative.
I agree with Traci. Unless you have been through it yourself I would refer them to financial aide. Even at that the laws are changing regularly so best bet is your financial aide office.
I think it is best to refer all financial aid questions to that department.
Kelly,
Its best to refer financial aid questions that come up during the admissions process to the finacial aid department. I would check with your school director about what, if any, general information you need to know about financial aid.
John Ware
Some schools do not allow Admisisons to even talk about FA. I would like to learn more about it, but they will not train me because questions regarding FA must be answered by the FA office. The only question I am allowed to answer to them know that all loans taken out for school will have to be paid back after the completion of school.
I have learned that being a expert and a resouce is very important. I completely agree that the process should be short and simple.
first and foremost, from my experience i think the best way for a student to understand the whole financial aid process is for us not to overwhelm them with information that they may not understand. Sometimes keeping it short and simple and explaining it as it works in two ways thru loans and grants which in grants is based upon need not want so not everyone will receive a grant and loans can be paid back 6 months after you graduate. But most importantly ask them first to see what they may know about finacial aid which will give you a better understanding of how involved you really need to get into the financial process and past them along to a financial aid advisor it they may have further questions.
