11 Things You Need to Do

How to Apply | FAFSA Online | Early Decision Candidates | Filing Deadlines
11 Things You Need to Do

1. Apply Early
Complete all of your forms accurately and submit them early to ensure full consideration for all aid programs available.

2. Apply Online
First, request a PIN, your electronic signature for FAFSA and Renewal FAFSA on the Web. You must keep this PIN number as you will need it to access your student aid history online.

Second, fill out the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for student aid. FAFSA on the Web is fast, easy and more accurate than paper. Remember, if you are a dependent student, your parent will also need an individual PIN number to sign your FAFSA.

3. Be Accurate
If you're a returning student, use the latest completed federal income tax returns to complete the FAFSA. Just estimating numbers, rather than using actual numbers from the latest tax returns, can mean a delay of processing your application.

4. Answer Every Question
Never leave spaces blank -- be sure to answer every required question, even if the answer is "0". If you have none of a particular income or asset source, put a zero in that field on the form.

5. Read and Respond
Carefully read and follow all instructions provided. Respond quickly to all requests from the Financial Aid Office. Remember: even if your application is received by the priority date, you will not receive an award if your file is incomplete when award offers are made.


6. Use Your Full Given Name
Complete all forms using your full given name. Don't use nicknames, and be sure to notify the Financial Aid Office and Registrar's Office of any name changes. The Social Security Administration should also be informed of any name changes. Otherwise, you might be causing delays in the awarding of aid.

7. Use Your Correct Social Security Number
Be sure to use the right Social Security number! Listing an incorrect number can mean more delays and even loss of some financial aid sources.

8. Keep Copies of Everything
Make photocopies of all forms and correspondence you submit,with the dates they were mailed noted. This way, you can refer to specifics when calling or writing about your application. Always keep copies of your tax returns and W- 2's.

9. Give it a Try
Don't assume that you won't be eligible for any financial aid because "someone told you that you don't get aid if you make over so much money." The FAFSA is free and the costs to submit it is some time and a first class stamp (or some time online). While you may not be eligible for a Pell Grant, you may be eligible for a subsidized Stafford loan or other student aid resources, which can really help with college costs.

10. Male Students: Know About the Selective Service
All male students who are U.S. citizens or immigrant aliens and are age 18 through 25 years of age must be registered with the U.S. Selective Service System to be eligible for federal student loans and grants. Men can register in several ways: at any post office, by checking 'Yes' to question 28 of the FAFSA, or online through the Selective Service web page.

11. Evaluate Award Offers
Assume you get great news -- you got financial aid for college! Now what? Before making your final decision on your college, it is important to evaluate all offers of financial assistance and see exactly what each school is going to cost you -- in cash, loans or a combination. Remember, it's important to realize how much this will cost in student loans at repayment once you earn your degree. You can start to evaluate your aid at Wiredscholar web site by entering specific data for all of the schools you are considering.