Filing out the FAFSA can be daunting for students, and mentors can find it difficult to know exactly how to support their mentee through the process. This article will help you understand your role in this critical step in the college process.
1. Learn about the FAFSA
The most important thing you can do is understand the process yourself.
2. Talk to your mentee
As a mentor, you are uniquely positioned to meet your mentee exactly where they are in the process and support them to move forward. Every mentee will need a slightly different type of support, so your first step is to talk to your mentee and assess the type of support that would be most beneficial. For example, should you play the role of project manager, friend, counselor, or cheerleader?
Consider asking the following questions:
- Do they understand the purpose and importance of the FAFSA?
- What questions do they have about the process?
- Do they know the information required within the FAFSA application? If not, do they have a plan to gather that information?
- Are they comfortable discussing the FAFSA with their parents? If not, can you help coach or role play with them?
- Are they aware of their school deadlines for completing the FAFSA?
- Are they aware of deadlines specific to colleges they may be interested in?
Always talk to your staff person if you are ever unsure of the type of support that your mentee needs.
3. Take action
- Carve out time to help your mentee find the answers to their questions.
- Remind your mentee they can check in with their guidance counselor if they have additional questions.
- Help your mentee articulate a "to do" list to complete the FAFSA.
- Be a project manager/reminder of the steps to help them stay on track.
- Contact your staff support person if you are concerned about your mentee's ability to fill out the FAFSA.
4. Following up
Once they have completed the FAFSA there are still a few more steps of which you should be aware.
Thanks for supporting your mentee through this crucial process.
