# data[].attributes.headline
Because i got enough money with the financial aid, I was able to go to a 4-year university, in addition to the other scholarships and grants. It it wasn't for this financial support, i would not have been able to afford to go to college. Therefore, I ended up going to Dominican University because they gave me the most financial aid, which was pretty much full tuition. -Nelly

# data[].attributes.subject
Because i got enough money with the financial aid, I was able to go to a 4-year university, in addition to the other scholarships and grants. It it wasn't for this financial support, i would not have been able to afford to go to college. Therefore, I ended up going to Dominican University because they gave me the most financial aid, which was pretty much full tuition. -Nelly

# data[].attributes.headline
confusing! My brother had filled it out since it was a requirement for our highschool, he's a year older than me, so the following year when I applied i had to get my mom to remember her account, and it just made the process a bit longer and stressful - Emily

# data[].attributes.subject
confusing! My brother had filled it out since it was a requirement for our highschool, he's a year older than me, so the following year when I applied i had to get my mom to remember her account, and it just made the process a bit longer and stressful - Emily

# data[].attributes.headline
my fafsa experience was confusing and frustrating as there was so many delays the for the form year 23-24.- Melissa 

# data[].attributes.subject
my fafsa experience was confusing and frustrating as there was so many delays the for the form year 23-24.- Melissa 

# data[].attributes.headline
My FASFA experience was pretty good. I didn't know what it was before high school but I joined a program called "OneGoal" and they helped me learn everything I needed for myself and others in different scenarios-Elijah  

# data[].attributes.subject
My FASFA experience was pretty good. I didn't know what it was before high school but I joined a program called "OneGoal" and they helped me learn everything I needed for myself and others in different scenarios-Elijah  

# data[].attributes.headline
I remember feeling very intimidated by the FAFSA form. I wasn't sure how to obtain all the information I needed and was very afraid of making a mistake that could cost me my financial aid. Looking for the specific line numbers on tax forms was frustrating, especially when my parents were also confused by the forms. Luckily, I had a lot of help from my sister. -Gaby

# data[].attributes.subject
I remember feeling very intimidated by the FAFSA form. I wasn't sure how to obtain all the information I needed and was very afraid of making a mistake that could cost me my financial aid. Looking for the specific line numbers on tax forms was frustrating, especially when my parents were also confused by the forms. Luckily, I had a lot of help from my sister. -Gaby

# data[].attributes.headline
When I worked on FAFSA as a senior, it was not a graduation requirement. There was little support, and I didn't realize it was part of the college-going process until my English teacher told me. I was lucky to have a relationship with my English teacher, who ended up walking me through the process and the rest of the college-going process. -Kwame

# data[].attributes.subject
When I worked on FAFSA as a senior, it was not a graduation requirement. There was little support, and I didn't realize it was part of the college-going process until my English teacher told me. I was lucky to have a relationship with my English teacher, who ended up walking me through the process and the rest of the college-going process. -Kwame

# data[].attributes.headline
My FAFSA experience was not bad. I had support from GearUp. The biggest challenge I had was getting my mother's information and documents. -Amoni

# data[].attributes.subject
My FAFSA experience was not bad. I had support from GearUp. The biggest challenge I had was getting my mother's information and documents. -Amoni

# data[].attributes.headline
I remember being very confused because of how extensive the application was. It was only with the help of my college counselor that I was able to successfully fill it out. In particular, I remember having some problems with gathering my mom's information since she doesn't live in the US and I can't answer my guardian's information. -Nelly

# data[].attributes.subject
I remember being very confused because of how extensive the application was. It was only with the help of my college counselor that I was able to successfully fill it out. In particular, I remember having some problems with gathering my mom's information since she doesn't live in the US and I can't answer my guardian's information. -Nelly

# data[].attributes.headline
In high school I was somewhat familiar with FASFA because I'm the youngest brother in my family to fill it out. It was simple to me because I had my parents help, but at first I was confused and looking at it made me space out. -Carel.S

# data[].attributes.subject
In high school I was somewhat familiar with FASFA because I'm the youngest brother in my family to fill it out. It was simple to me because I had my parents help, but at first I was confused and looking at it made me space out. -Carel.S

# data[].attributes.headline
It was a little confusing, but we did receive a lot of help throughout our senior seminar class. One thing they always did do,  was remind us about the deadlines. -Donta

# data[].attributes.subject
It was a little confusing, but we did receive a lot of help throughout our senior seminar class. One thing they always did do,  was remind us about the deadlines. -Donta

# data[].attributes.headline
It was basically done for me when I was in high school. Even though I was there while my post-secondary advisor filled it out, It still didn't really make sense and intimidated me. -Berenice

# data[].attributes.subject
It was basically done for me when I was in high school. Even though I was there while my post-secondary advisor filled it out, It still didn't really make sense and intimidated me. -Berenice

# data[].attributes.headline
Confusing, but in our senior seminar class, they always pushed to get as much done as possible to ensure we met the deadline.

# data[].attributes.subject
Confusing, but in our senior seminar class, they always pushed to get as much done as possible to ensure we met the deadline.

# data[].attributes.headline
My school had a class called senior seminar that was dedicated to just college applications, FAFSA help, research, etc that was EXTREMELY helpful in understanding what we wanted our future career to look like. We also had alumni come visit in panels, as individuals, as support systems etc. - Emily

# data[].attributes.subject
My school had a class called senior seminar that was dedicated to just college applications, FAFSA help, research, etc that was EXTREMELY helpful in understanding what we wanted our future career to look like. We also had alumni come visit in panels, as individuals, as support systems etc. - Emily

# data[].attributes.headline
I had support from GearUp. They actually had a session for parents and students- they helped us find the correct documents we needed to upload. -Amoni

# data[].attributes.subject
I had support from GearUp. They actually had a session for parents and students- they helped us find the correct documents we needed to upload. -Amoni

# data[].attributes.headline
my college counselor and my seminar teacher both helped with my application, especially since I don't have anyone from my family who have gone to college so I didn't even know what to expect. I remember that there were also a lot of workshops hosted by our post-secondary team, which helped a lot of students - Nelly

# data[].attributes.subject
my college counselor and my seminar teacher both helped with my application, especially since I don't have anyone from my family who have gone to college so I didn't even know what to expect. I remember that there were also a lot of workshops hosted by our post-secondary team, which helped a lot of students - Nelly

# data[].attributes.headline
My English teacher walked me and a few of my friends through the documentation requirements. He also stayed after school to support any one who needed support completing the form. -Kwame

# data[].attributes.subject
My English teacher walked me and a few of my friends through the documentation requirements. He also stayed after school to support any one who needed support completing the form. -Kwame

# data[].attributes.headline
My high school counselor gave us a very brief overview of the FAFSA form. I had the most help from my sister who had filled it out a year prior. Unfortunately, she had to navigate that all on her own. -Gaby

# data[].attributes.subject
My high school counselor gave us a very brief overview of the FAFSA form. I had the most help from my sister who had filled it out a year prior. Unfortunately, she had to navigate that all on her own. -Gaby

# data[].attributes.headline
my counselor and post secondary advisors were very supportive with the fafsa. a way they did this was by creating group sessions with my peers but also parents. this was helpful because my parents were also filling out this form for the first time.-melissa  

# data[].attributes.subject
my counselor and post secondary advisors were very supportive with the fafsa. a way they did this was by creating group sessions with my peers but also parents. this was helpful because my parents were also filling out this form for the first time.-melissa  

# data[].attributes.headline
I was lucky enough to stay in contact with my college and career advisor from high school as well as my counselor who had helped me my senior year to fill out the form. They helped clarify the super long and over-complicated help from the FAFSA website. They also helped me understand the documents I needed to understand for the next time I had to file them. -Berenice

# data[].attributes.subject
I was lucky enough to stay in contact with my college and career advisor from high school as well as my counselor who had helped me my senior year to fill out the form. They helped clarify the super long and over-complicated help from the FAFSA website. They also helped me understand the documents I needed to understand for the next time I had to file them. -Berenice

# data[].attributes.headline
I had certain teachers and councilors who really cared to set time apart in certain class periods to specifically talk about FASFA, what it is, what not to do, and how to complete it properly to receive the best support from them. -Carel.S

# data[].attributes.subject
I had certain teachers and councilors who really cared to set time apart in certain class periods to specifically talk about FASFA, what it is, what not to do, and how to complete it properly to receive the best support from them. -Carel.S

# data[].attributes.headline
I got the most support from my school’s college team. They stopped by and made the effort to make sure everybody was getting their fafsa done. Then, my parents also were able to help me understand what certain things were being asked on fafsa. - Donta

# data[].attributes.subject
I got the most support from my school’s college team. They stopped by and made the effort to make sure everybody was getting their fafsa done. Then, my parents also were able to help me understand what certain things were being asked on fafsa. - Donta

# data[].attributes.headline
OneGoal and my counselor did. My parents hadn't gone to school so they were unaware of FAFSA and the processes that came with it. They provide me and them with direct support with classes focused on elements and factors that contributed to FASFA, worksheets and opportunities for the parents to get direct understanding as well. We also had the chance to do our FAFSA with our parents if needed with our counselor. She was a OneGoal program director. -Elijah 

# data[].attributes.subject
OneGoal and my counselor did. My parents hadn't gone to school so they were unaware of FAFSA and the processes that came with it. They provide me and them with direct support with classes focused on elements and factors that contributed to FASFA, worksheets and opportunities for the parents to get direct understanding as well. We also had the chance to do our FAFSA with our parents if needed with our counselor. She was a OneGoal program director. -Elijah 

# data[].attributes.headline
In high school, my college and career coach was a big help for me going through fafsa, and then I received help from my senior seminar teacher as well. I received guidance throughout my fafsa and was able to apply relatively smoothly.-James

# data[].attributes.subject
In high school, my college and career coach was a big help for me going through fafsa, and then I received help from my senior seminar teacher as well. I received guidance throughout my fafsa and was able to apply relatively smoothly.-James

# data[].attributes.headline
i agree with nelly, majority of my financial support comes for grants and scholarship and if it wasn't for it, I would also not be able to afford college.-melissa 

# data[].attributes.subject
i agree with nelly, majority of my financial support comes for grants and scholarship and if it wasn't for it, I would also not be able to afford college.-melissa 

# data[].attributes.headline
i 100& agree with nelly's response, if it wasn't for FAFSA i would not be able to afford a college pathway.  I was accepted into a couple of my dream schools but the school i chose gave me a full ride alongside FAFSA which was my ultimate choice. FAFSA allows me to not stress over tuition and focus on my studies & what other opportunities are out there for me! -Emily

# data[].attributes.subject
i 100& agree with nelly's response, if it wasn't for FAFSA i would not be able to afford a college pathway.  I was accepted into a couple of my dream schools but the school i chose gave me a full ride alongside FAFSA which was my ultimate choice. FAFSA allows me to not stress over tuition and focus on my studies & what other opportunities are out there for me! -Emily

# data[].attributes.headline
It influenced my decision slightly because I had scholarships that were school specific and general scholarships that covered most of my financial cost. But it was crucial just in case something happened to a scholarships I had FASFA aligned with my top school picks. -Carel.S

# data[].attributes.subject
It influenced my decision slightly because I had scholarships that were school specific and general scholarships that covered most of my financial cost. But it was crucial just in case something happened to a scholarships I had FASFA aligned with my top school picks. -Carel.S

# data[].attributes.headline
I knew I wanted to get away from home so FASFA just confirmed if I could or not. I was ok with student loans and I didn't have a scholarship that would get me in for free. ISU was the only school that gave me more than the standard amount of gov funds. -Elijah

# data[].attributes.subject
I knew I wanted to get away from home so FASFA just confirmed if I could or not. I was ok with student loans and I didn't have a scholarship that would get me in for free. ISU was the only school that gave me more than the standard amount of gov funds. -Elijah

# data[].attributes.headline
I was lucky enough to choose and get accepted into an affordable 4-year college. I also got enough FAFSA to pay for my tuition and still have money left for any other expenses I needed such as housing, materials, and things I wanted. - Berenice 

# data[].attributes.subject
I was lucky enough to choose and get accepted into an affordable 4-year college. I also got enough FAFSA to pay for my tuition and still have money left for any other expenses I needed such as housing, materials, and things I wanted. - Berenice 

# data[].attributes.headline
Gaby : I knew that I wanted to attend a 4 year university, but definitely had concerns about the financial burden. I knew that the aid I received from FAFSA would not cover my entire cost of attendance so I looked into scholarships and other forms of assistance. That was a challenge of its own because my high school did not really provide these resources and finding a starting point was very overwhelming. At some point I did consider going to a 2 year institution but ultimately ended up at UIC.

# data[].attributes.subject
Gaby : I knew that I wanted to attend a 4 year university, but definitely had concerns about the financial burden. I knew that the aid I received from FAFSA would not cover my entire cost of attendance so I looked into scholarships and other forms of assistance. That was a challenge of its own because my high school did not really provide these resources and finding a starting point was very overwhelming. At some point I did consider going to a 2 year institution but ultimately ended up at UIC.

# data[].attributes.headline
Initially, I thought I would get a low amount of financial aid, because I wasn't aware of every little thing that influenced or contributed to the amount of financial aid I get. I ended up receiving a good amount of financial aid, and I wanted to go to some place that was not too far away from home but far enough. I was choosing between NIU or ISU and I ended up choosing Illinois State due to the cost of attendance being alright and my fafsa covering a good portion of my expenses there. -James

# data[].attributes.subject
Initially, I thought I would get a low amount of financial aid, because I wasn't aware of every little thing that influenced or contributed to the amount of financial aid I get. I ended up receiving a good amount of financial aid, and I wanted to go to some place that was not too far away from home but far enough. I was choosing between NIU or ISU and I ended up choosing Illinois State due to the cost of attendance being alright and my fafsa covering a good portion of my expenses there. -James

# data[].attributes.headline
Since I went to community college in high school, I did not have to pay so much for my BS degree. Fafsa helped a lot with what I did have to pay for.  

# data[].attributes.subject
Since I went to community college in high school, I did not have to pay so much for my BS degree. Fafsa helped a lot with what I did have to pay for.  

# data[].attributes.headline
have them do a project that allows them to research 3 college major pathways they are interested in! I feel like this would have helped me understand the job market a bit more clearly, but also understand the strengths I had at the time and where i could possibly fall into -Emily

# data[].attributes.subject
have them do a project that allows them to research 3 college major pathways they are interested in! I feel like this would have helped me understand the job market a bit more clearly, but also understand the strengths I had at the time and where i could possibly fall into -Emily

# data[].attributes.headline
I would suggest hosting workshops after hours for parents whose first language is not English that guide them through the process of the FAFSA and provides them with tools to support their child. Additionally, schools need more counselors. Students deserve one on one support and should have access to that within their schools. If not, at the very least schools should introduce students to resources like GEAR UP, Chicago Scholars, etc. - Gaby

# data[].attributes.subject
I would suggest hosting workshops after hours for parents whose first language is not English that guide them through the process of the FAFSA and provides them with tools to support their child. Additionally, schools need more counselors. Students deserve one on one support and should have access to that within their schools. If not, at the very least schools should introduce students to resources like GEAR UP, Chicago Scholars, etc. - Gaby

# data[].attributes.headline
If your school doesn't have a system in place to inform students properly on FASFA practices and decisions, seeking out external support from organizations, even if you have experience is necessary. It can be a lot for one counselor to help so many. -Elijah

# data[].attributes.subject
If your school doesn't have a system in place to inform students properly on FASFA practices and decisions, seeking out external support from organizations, even if you have experience is necessary. It can be a lot for one counselor to help so many. -Elijah

# data[].attributes.headline
Hosting those sessions like GearUp did- where parents and students can get help. It only takes maybe an hour out of your day 

# data[].attributes.subject
Hosting those sessions like GearUp did- where parents and students can get help. It only takes maybe an hour out of your day 

# data[].attributes.headline
I would say to give them opportunities to participate in possible internships or workshops around what they're interested in before they commit, this way if they're not too sure about what to do they have enough time to decide on something before potentially risking time and money in college. I would also say to research what schools might have the best programs around the major with time so that they can see what they might need to be able to attend said major/program- Berenice

# data[].attributes.subject
I would say to give them opportunities to participate in possible internships or workshops around what they're interested in before they commit, this way if they're not too sure about what to do they have enough time to decide on something before potentially risking time and money in college. I would also say to research what schools might have the best programs around the major with time so that they can see what they might need to be able to attend said major/program- Berenice

# data[].attributes.headline
Explain to them almost if not every possible choice after highschool. Be honest and only give them information that will benefit them. Do not fill their heads up with lies, because at the end of the day that student will suffer the consequences just from simply not knowing certain things.- Donta

# data[].attributes.subject
Explain to them almost if not every possible choice after highschool. Be honest and only give them information that will benefit them. Do not fill their heads up with lies, because at the end of the day that student will suffer the consequences just from simply not knowing certain things.- Donta

# data[].attributes.headline
i would advise them to continue career fair events, college campus visits, and to continue inviting university representatives. -melissa 

# data[].attributes.subject
i would advise them to continue career fair events, college campus visits, and to continue inviting university representatives. -melissa 

# data[].attributes.headline
I would advise staff at high schools to pour effort into helping their students learn about FASFA and how important it is for their college career. But making interesting instead of loading information on students because it is a lot to understand for young adults. -Carel.S

# data[].attributes.subject
I would advise staff at high schools to pour effort into helping their students learn about FASFA and how important it is for their college career. But making interesting instead of loading information on students because it is a lot to understand for young adults. -Carel.S

# data[].attributes.headline
To provide more career exploration opportunities to students. I remember relying on youtube videos and picturing myself in that profession (ex. neurologist). I also was able to attend events hosted by Chicago Scholars which confirmed my passion for medicine. I know my fellow classmates didn't have the same opportunities for exploration. I think it could be very motivating to students if they can start dreaming about what they do after college, which will help them choose their major. -Nelly

# data[].attributes.subject
To provide more career exploration opportunities to students. I remember relying on youtube videos and picturing myself in that profession (ex. neurologist). I also was able to attend events hosted by Chicago Scholars which confirmed my passion for medicine. I know my fellow classmates didn't have the same opportunities for exploration. I think it could be very motivating to students if they can start dreaming about what they do after college, which will help them choose their major. -Nelly

# data[].attributes.headline
FASFA became harder to complete with the new features, where parents had to add in the same information that students had already put in and the confusing wording. My mom  struggles a lot to A: Find time B: understand what to do. Because of that it takes longer to fill out. I also have friends who have that language barrier where there parents don't understand and get really confused on what to do. 

# data[].attributes.subject
FASFA became harder to complete with the new features, where parents had to add in the same information that students had already put in and the confusing wording. My mom  struggles a lot to A: Find time B: understand what to do. Because of that it takes longer to fill out. I also have friends who have that language barrier where there parents don't understand and get really confused on what to do. 

# data[].attributes.headline
I get help from BUILD.inc Chicago, a program that offers many opportunities for students. Every student gets assigned a counselor and they help with FASFA one-on-one.

# data[].attributes.subject
I get help from BUILD.inc Chicago, a program that offers many opportunities for students. Every student gets assigned a counselor and they help with FASFA one-on-one.

# data[].attributes.headline
FASFA didn't give me a lot of money for me to go out of state which made me feel like I had to take out many loans if I went out of state compared to staying in Illinois 

# data[].attributes.subject
FASFA didn't give me a lot of money for me to go out of state which made me feel like I had to take out many loans if I went out of state compared to staying in Illinois 

# data[].attributes.headline
Start making a portfolio right away and or find a mentor in or out of the school. Animation is a tough thing to get into especially if you plan on getting into the top animation schools. It's very competitive because this field is about skill level at a starting point. You are expected to have many animations and pieces of art that show who you are, and what story you want to tell. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Start making a portfolio right away and or find a mentor in or out of the school. Animation is a tough thing to get into especially if you plan on getting into the top animation schools. It's very competitive because this field is about skill level at a starting point. You are expected to have many animations and pieces of art that show who you are, and what story you want to tell. 