If you’ve ever had the delightful experience of trying to figure out how the heck to apply for Federal Student Aid, you know how hard it can be to fill out the dreaded FAFSA form.

If you’ve never had that delightful experience but have a student in your family who’s getting ready to make that fateful college decision, Waubonsee Community College is offering a series of free open-house events that can be a huge help.

WCC’s open house sessions are for parents and students who want to learn how financial aid works and get help completing their 2017-2018 Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

The FAFSA is required for any student hoping to receive financial aid at any college or university, including Waubonsee.

For the 2017-18 school year, the FAFSA is available earlier than ever, and applicants can file it beginning on Oct. 1. In order to maximize chances of receiving aid, it is recommended that paperwork be submitted by Dec. 2, 2016 for the 2017-18 academic year. Laptops will be provided at the events, but students are also encouraged to bring their own.

Participants should also bring student’s and parents’ 2015 federal tax returns and student’s and parents’ social security numbers.

The FAFSA Fairs take place:

• Wednesday, Oct. 5, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., at the Sugar Grove Campus, Student Center, Room 106
• Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. to noon, Aurora Downtown Campus, Room 160
• Saturday, Oct. 15, from noon to 2 p.m., Aurora Downtown Campus, Room 160
• Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Aurora Downtown Campus, Room 160

The Sugar Grove Campus is located at Route 47 and Waubonsee Drive in Sugar Grove. The Aurora Downtown Campus is located at 18 S. River St. in Aurora.

Reserve your spot online at www.waubonsee.edu/financialaid.

About Waubonsee Community College