You may pick up an application in the school counseling office in early December and start looking at what type of information you will need to supply. You can not file the FAFSA form until after January 1 and no later than June 30. The FAFSA comes with an instruction booklet that is meant to help you complete the form. As you open the instruction booklet you will find the four-page application form and an envelope to mail it in. Each numbered blank on the application form has corresponding numbered instructions in the booklet. Read the instructions closely before you begin to complete this form. One little mistake can send you back to the drawing board. If you and/ or your parents have completed your federal taxes, that can be a big help in filling out the FAFSA. Much of the information asked for will be similar, if not the same.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is also available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Applying online can save time and allows you to correct errors in a more timely fashion. It is imperative that you submit financial aid applications as soon as possible because it allows colleges to determine the applicant’s financial aid package.

Before beginning FAFSA
(Can be done before or after January 1)

• Both the student and parent should apply for a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov. The PIN will allow you to electronically sign your FAFSA. This takes only a matter of minutes and your PIN will be e-mailed to you within 1 to 5 days. If you do not provide an e-mail address, the PIN will be mailed to your permanent mailing address within 7 to 10 days. 
   
• Some people find it helpful to complete the pre-application worksheet before completing the online application. To print out the worksheet, go to section 1 at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Filling out FAFSA
(After January 1)

• Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov. 
   
• Select section 2 “Fill out a FAFSA” and follow on-screen instructions.
   
• Once you have completed your application, review your answers and correct if necessary before submitting your FAFSA. 
   
• Sign your FAFSA. You can sign electronically with your PIN, print out a page to sign and mail, or wait for a printed page to arrive in the mail.
   
• Submit your application by selecting “Submit my FAFSA now” on the last page of the form. This will take you to a confirmation page (with a confirmation number and your estimated Expected Family Contribution), which you should print for your records.

After filing FAFSA

• You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) Information Acknowledgement in the mail about 2 weeks after submitting your online FAFSA. If you provided your e-mail address, you will receive it in no more than 5 days via e-mail. 
   
• Review all of your answers on the SAR and correct any errors. 
   
• Return to www.fafsa.ed.gov to check on the status of your application.

Helpful Hints

1. File the FAFSA as soon as possible. Some of the monies you may qualify for are handed out on a first come, first served basis.

2. Have your financial records nearby when you sit down to complete the FAFSA. Your latest tax return is probably the most helpful document you can have on hand.

3. Complete all sections and worksheets on the FAFSA. Double check your answers and make sure there are no blanks. Mistakes can delay the processing of the form.

4. Do not leave blanks on the form. You need to fill in your social security number, make sure the document is signed, and do not mail before January 1st. If you forget any of these conditions, your application will be shredded and you are not notified.

5. Before you send out your FAFSA, make a photocopy to keep for your records.

6. You must file the FAFSA in order to be eligible for Federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. The FAFSA is also used to apply for most state and private aid. Some programs may require you to submit some additional information.

Tips for College Bound Seniors: The FAFSA (PowerPoint Presentation)