LEARN Educational Talent Search

LEARN is a free, government-sponsored service that is available to all seniors and their parents. LEARN counselors begin visiting in the schools in the fall. The counselors work in conjunction with the counselors in the high schools. Their primary function is to assist students as they begin their college preparations. In Lubbock, the LEARN telephone number is 806-763-4256.

In February, LEARN counselors really get busy as FAFSA^(SM) preparations begin. Your student may receive notification of a particular night when the LEARN counselors will be at your high school for the sole purpose of assisting parents with completion of the FAFSA^(SM) application, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

The U.S. Department of Education uses the FAFSA^(SM) as a determination of need for financial assistance, such as the Pell Grant or Stafford loans. (Stafford loans must be repaid.) Every student, regardless of parental income or personal circumstances, should complete this form. Never assume you will not qualify for aid or assistance even if your financial circumstances are more comfortable than is the average.

Click HERE for a listing of what you should be prepared to bring with you when you meet with LEARN. Be prepared to list any college that your student might be considering on the application. These schools automatically receive your FAFSA^(SM) ratings when forms are completely processed. This will speed up the process of application to the college.

Good record keeping and early tax preparation will definitely be of benefit to you when preparing for completion of the FAFSA^(SM). If you prefer, the application can also be completed over the Internet. Click HERE to go directly to the site. You will have to register and receive a PIN number to make use of the Internet service. You and your parents may also select a PIN to use as an electronic signature. This greatly reduces time needed to receive mailings.

If you mail in or submit online withouth an electronic signature, you should receive a reply to your application within about four weeks. Once you receive your letter and accompanying green forms, check carefully for any errors that might appear. Do not misplace the replies you receive.

We encourage you to complete the application step as quickly as possible as colleges have deadlines for accepting applications from students. It is an economic reality that where you will be able to attend college sometimes depends on moneys available to you. Colleges depend on your FAFSA^(SM) information to assist them in determining which funds they might have available to offer your student. It is very true that early birds catch the best scholarship worms.

Every year graduating seniors in Lubbock receive combined totals of many millions of dollars in grants, aid, scholarships and other funding. Planning ahead with a savings plan of some type is the optimal plan. If you are not fortunate enough to inherit a trust fund or have wealthy parents or grandparents, do not think college is an unreachable goal for you. Start early… Plan well... Allow enough time...

Article written by Linda Smith

**Contact your CPA at MWC regarding taxability issues for any particular college funds or moneys received