The College Financial Aid Journey: Expert Tips from GSU’s Associate Vice President for Undergraduate Admissions
As the Associate Vice President for Undergraduate Admissions at Georgia State University (GSU), I’m not just passionate about helping students and families navigate the college exploration and application process—I’m currently living it as I support my high school senior daughter on this thrilling journey!
With nearly three decades of experience in higher education, I’ve seen it all—the challenges, the triumphs, and everything in between. Even with all my experience, the college application process can still feel overwhelming at times. One of the most unpredictable aspects? Acceptance decisions and scholarship offers. While most of the advice I gave my daughter was spot-on, there were a few curveballs! But guess what? She’s now considering multiple offers, including one from our very own Georgia State University!
🚨 Important Financial Aid Update!
In light of recent events, I want to share some crucial information about the 2024-2025 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and GSU’s financial aid awarding process. The US Department of Education has announced a delay in transmitting FAFSA information to educational institutions. Despite this delay, it’s vital not to postpone the submission of your FAFSA! We’re asking families to submit it no later than April 1. And if you’re HOPE eligible? Don’t forget to submit the GSFAPP. This is a game-changer as HOPE and Zell Scholarships can cover up to 100% of tuition costs!
🌟 My Family’s Financial Aid Journey
Reflecting on my family’s recent experience, I’m reminded of the importance of navigating the financial aid process with diligence. Despite encountering a few challenges, like difficulty obtaining our Federal Student Aid ID and some technical glitches, we successfully submitted both the FAFSA and the GSFAPP. I reached out to studentaid.gov for assistance and was pleasantly surprised by their prompt response. Within 48 hours, the issue was resolved, and the process was smoother than anticipated. Notably, the GSFAPP only took my daughter a few minutes to complete!
🎓 Proactive Scholarship Searching
I encourage each of you to explore external scholarship opportunities, such as Fastweb and Niche. My daughter found success through an extensive scholarship search at various institutions and external agencies, demonstrating the value of staying proactive. Don’t miss out on these opportunities!
🤝 We’re Here to Help!
Don’t let the financial aid process intimidate you—we’re here to guide you through it! Our dedicated team at Student Financial Services is committed to supporting you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Warm regards,
Scott Burke
Associate Vice President, Undergraduate Admissions & Housing
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Georgia State University