FAQ - Alaska College Goal Sunday

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alaska College Goal Sunday?

Alaska College Goal Sunday is a statewide program that provides free information and assistance to Alaska families who are applying for college financial aid. It brings financial aid professionals, primarily from state colleges and universities, together with other volunteers to help college-bound students and their families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

What is the FAFSA?

The FAFSA is a form that must be filled out by every student seeking federal financial aid, including grants and loans, to attend any school in the nation. You can get the form at FAFSA online.

Who should attend Alaska College Goal Sunday?

Anyone who is interested in attending a postsecondary institution and who would like assistance filling out the primary application for financial assistance in paying education costs. Dependent students should bring at least one parent or legal guardian to the program. If a minor student attends alone, he/she should bring his/her parents' completed IRS 1040 tax return, W-2 Form or other income and benefits information. Independent students do not need parental financial information.

When is Alaska College Goal Sunday?

2 p.m. on Sunday Feb. 12, 2012

Where are the Alaska College Goal Sunday sites?

Events will be held at locations in more than 20 communities statewide.

What documents should I bring with me on Alaska College Goal Sunday?

In order to complete the FAFSA at an Alaska College Goal Sunday event, you and/or your parents will need recent income information such as your most recent completed federal tax return. You will need to the following:

Social security number (can be found on social security card)
Alien registration card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
Driver's license (if any)
2010 W-2 Forms and other records of money earned (2011, if available)
2011 untaxed income records including social security, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, welfare or veterans benefits records

2011 bank statements
2011 business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond and/or other investment records

Will I need to complete my 2011 tax return before completing the FAFSA?

If the student or his/her parent(s) are filing a 2011 income tax return, it is helpful to fill it out before completing the FAFSA. However, the income tax return does not need to be completed before filling out the FAFSA. If you complete your FAFSA using best esimates based on 2010 taxes, you can submit a correction once your 2011 taxes are complete. By submitting your FAFSA early, you may meet more financial aid program deadlines and be considered for more financial aid.

Why is Alaska College Goal Sunday important?

It provides assistance in applying for financial aid to students and families who need it. By delivering help to students in their own communities, Alaska College Goal Sunday helps ensure that they get the help they need filling out forms necessary to apply for financial aid.

Who partners to offer Alaska College Goal Sunday?

Alaska College Goal Sunday is brought to you by CASHE (Coalition of Alaskans Supporting Higher Education) with support from

When is a student independent?

Under the federal definition, an independent student is one who meets at least one of the following conditions:

Is 24 years old (born before 1/1/1989 for academic year 2012-2013)
Is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
Is an orphan (parents deceased) or ward of the court (or was a ward of the court until age 18)
Has legal dependents other than a spouse
Is married
Is a graduate or a professional student.

What can I do to get ready for Alaska College Goal Sunday?

One step you can take is to go to FAFSA online and apply for a PIN code before attending College Goal Sunday. You should also gather all required documents, and any additional documents you think may be relevant.

When should I fill out the FAFSA?

You should apply as soon as possible after January 1; ideally, once your parents have completed their 2011 federal income tax return. However, if the college has a deadline earlier than when your parents will file their tax returns, use income estimates to meet the college's deadline. You can correct the information later. Many deadlines are as early as February.

My parents are separated or divorced. Which parent should fill out the FAFSA?

The parent you lived with most during the past 12 months. If you didn't live with either parent or if you lived with each parent an equal number of days, use the parent who provided most of the support to you in the most recent calendar year.

Does my stepparent's income and assets have to be reported on the FASFA?

If the parent whose information you are reporting on the need analysis form has married or remarried, you must include information about your stepparent (even if he or she was not married in 2011).

What if I don't have a social security number or don't want to report it?

You must enter your social security number on the FAFSA. If you don't submit your social security number, the form will be returned unprocessed and you will not be considered for federal student aid. Additionally, at least one parent social security number along with name and date of birth must be supplied.

My father (or mother) recently died. How do I complete parental income information?

Complete the FAFSA using the income, tax liability and asset information of the surviving parent only.

The need analysis asks about last year's income. My father (or mother) is now unemployed and our income is significantly less. What should we do?

You still need to complete the FAFSA using 2011 information. However, when you get your Student Aid Report, you need to see or write the financial aid administrator at the school(s) you want to attend. Explain the situation documenting the decrease in income. Financial aid administrators may use professional judgment to adjust your need if it is warranted and can be documented sufficiently to meet federal guidelines.

Can my parents and I fill out the FAFSA over the Internet?

Yes, you can fill out the FAFSA online. It is recommended that you and your parents get PIN codes before attending College Goal Sunday so that you can sign the FAFSA electronically and not have to print out, sign and send in a paper signature page.

What if I can't make it to College Goal Sunday-- Where can I go for help?

Come visit the AlaskAdvantage Success Center located in the Dimond Center at 800 E. Dimond Blvd., Suite #200, Anchorage, AK, 99515. Staff of the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education are available Monday-Friday from 10am - 6pm. If you can't stop by in person, or want to schedule an appointment, call 269-7980 for more information.