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Applying for Financial Aid

To apply for financial aid, start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at the Web site www.fafsa.ed.gov. You can apply starting January 1 of the year the financial aid will apply. (If you apply sooner, you will have to correct your statement once your taxes are complete.) You should apply as soon as you can to increase your chance of getting financial aid, and certainly before March 1, so that you don’t miss any school’s deadline. Here is the information that you need to have ready:

  • Social security number and driver’s license
  • School codes for the schools you are applying to or attending (go to www.fafsa.ed.gov)
  • Personal identification number (PIN) from www.pin.ed.gov
  • Tax returns and W2 form for the previous year
  • Records of untaxed income, such as welfare checks or veteran’s benefits
  • Information about assets, such as bank statements and mortgages
  • The type of aid you want, such as grants, loans, and work-study opportunities (or all available)
  • Your dependency status, indicating whether you are considered a dependent by your parents
 
FAFSA Website

Once you have completed the FAFSA application, the government will send a Student Aid Report (SAR) to you and the schools that you want to attend (allow two to three weeks for online forms and four to six weeks for hard-copy forms). This report indicates what your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will be. After the schools receive your SAR, they will send you a financial aid package including any federal aid. Some schools may require additional information and forms.

Your Turn Go online to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/help/ffdef44.htm and download a free FAFSA worksheet. Fill it out to practice applying for financial aid. If you need any help, ask your guidance counselor.

 
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