Effective Financial Aid Presentations Elizabeth McDuffie NCSEAA - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Spring Conference 2008

Ask the school counselor what she expects

• Go over the FAFSA in detail?
• Explain various aid programs?
• Discuss aid process?
• How much time is allotted?
• Will there be other presenters?
• Estimated number of attendees?
• If you have handouts, who will provide copies?

• Ask for items needed
• Screen
• Projector
• Laptop
• Extension cord
• Microphone, if needed
• Podium or table for materials, if needed
• Let the counselor know when you will arrive
• If using technology, arrive at least 30-45 minutes ahead of meeting time.

• Parents
• Students
• Seniors
• Juniors
• Underclassmen

Presentation materials are already available

• NCASFAA Website
• Resources for Counselors
• Powerpoint
• Script
• Handouts
• NASFAA Website
• www.nasfaa.org/redesign/fanights.asp
• Others?

NCASFAA/NCSEAA presentation

• Two versions available for download from www.NCASFAA.com
• with FAFSA images (very large file)
• without FAFSA images
• Comprehensive
• Customize by hiding slides not needed
• Section in middle of presentation covers aid formula

• Who are you….why are you qualified to present the material?
• Counselor may have covered in the introduction.
• Connect with your audience
• Prior to presentation
• Share something if possible that you have in common with the group.
• Be confident
• Who in the room knows more about this?!
• If you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t bluff. Admit your lack of knowledge and tell them how to get the answer.

• Give an overview of the subject matter to be covered in presentation.
• Explain the presentation format
• When will you take questions?

• A lot of slides—keep it moving BUT
• Stop periodically and solicit questions
• Helpful at the end of topics
• Watch out for jargon!
• Make eye contact and watch faces for comprehension

• Mannerisms
• Certain words or phrases
• Um
• You know
• Actually
• Virtually

• Don’t go over the each question on the form!
• Do point out error-prone or important questions
• Explain the questions for independent students
• Instill confidence that parents and students CAN complete the FAFSA.
• Yes, there are over 100 questions, but most of them are things they know!
• Completed tax returns will make the other questions much easier to answer.

• What challenges have you encountered?
• Other presenters?
• Military
• Financial Planners
• Other challenges?
• Solutions