FAFSA Questions For Deferred Action Undocumented Students

Paying for College
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<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>I'm hoping someone can answer these questions. I graduated from community college in May this year with an associate's degree and wish to transfer to a state school (such as UMD College Park, Towson, UMBC, UBalt) here in the state of Maryland. In State Tuition for undocumented students like me has become a law early this month (November 2012) with the Maryland Dream Act. My question is not just for MD people but for any state. </p>

<p>I am receiving Deferred Action (new law) that allows me to get a social security # and work permit, but not green card. Basically I will be legally illegal, if that makes any sense. I already have a driver's license (from MD) own a car here, and have been paying taxes (my parents) since I got here (2005). </p>

<p>I know that even with the new law, we can't receive federal aid. But we can still receive institution, state, and private money from scholarships. The problem is, most require you to fill out FAFSA in order to be eligible to receive that money. With Deferred Action, we have all the necessary documentation to fill it out. </p>

<p>So my question is, we can fill it out, and submit it, just to fulfill the requirement of the scholarship that we're applying for, right???? </p>

<p>I know that I DON'T get any Federal money, but I can still submit it just to qualify for scholarships, yes?</p>

<p>And by scholarships I mean institution scholarships (say a merit one if I have a 3.5 gpa the school gives me $2500, but they need my SSN, which I will provide) </p>

<p>State scholarships, like the Senatorial Scholarship (here - Senatorial</a> Scholarship Program) </p>

<p>And private scholarships like from Microsoft, that say I can apply as a "Eligible Non Citizen" (remember, Deferred Action doesn't make me a citizen). </p>

<p>Please answer the question to the best of your concrete knowledge, experience, or observance. Thank you so much!</p>

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<p>Yes, if the organization offering the scholarship uses the FAFSA for determining need, you can complete it. Some might ask that you do it online. Others might want you to complete the paper form and submit it directly to them. Ask them what they want.</p>

<p>You need to ask each of the MD institutions how they are handling financial aid and scholarships for the Dream Act students. They might not even know yet. Likewise for the Senatorial Scholarship and other aid administered by MHEC, and the private scholarships such as Microsoft. Go directly to the source. It is OK to ask them. </p>

<p>Wishing you all the best!</p>

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<p>Hello, I just wanted to say, I’m in the exact same spot as you. It’s really frustrating to not be able to apply to scholarships because we do not qualify for Federal aid. I am currently receiving in state tuition at a Community College of Baltimore County (Maryland Dream Act) and I plan to transfer to a four year college. Please let me know if you found a solution, I will keep you notified if I find something out. The best of luck!</p>

<p>Alexis</p>

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<p>While you will not be able to fill out the electronic version of the FAFSA (it will kick out because you don’t have a social security number), you can fill out a paperversion of the FAFSA and give that along with the documentation in question to the organization</p>

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<p>This thread is a year old!</p>