How to Complete A FAFSA

Steps to Applying for Federal Student Aid

FAFSA is the free application for federal student aid. This must be completed when you are applying for government grants and most government loans (such as the Stafford or Perkins). Schools use student's FAFSA information to decide if they are eligible to receive federal aid.

You can obtain and submit a FAFSA on the internet or through your school's financial aid office. This article explains the online application process only.

Completing an electronic FAFSA is fast, free, and simple.

<b>Before You Start Your FAFSA:</b>

The first thing that you will need to do before filling out a FAFSA is to obtain a PIN (Personal Identification Number.) You can apply for a PIN through the U.S. Department of Education at www.pin.ed.gov. Parent's of dependents will need a PIN as well.

You can use your PIN to electronically sign your FAFSA, review and correct your Student Aid Report (SAR), print your SAR, reapply for student aid annually, and see online information about your federal loans and grants.

You'll also need to have a few specific documents on hand to refer to as you complete your FAFSA. These documents are: your Social Security card, driver's license, previous years W-2 form and any additional income records, previous years Federal Income Tax Return, and your parents' Federal Income Tax return from last year. In addition to this you will need your untaxed income records (social security, temporary assistance to needy families, welfare, or veteran's benefits) from last year, current bank statements, and current business and investment information.

<b>Filling Out A FAFSA:</b>

After you have received your PIN and the needed information, you may begin filling out a FAFSA.

1. On FAFSA.ed.gov click on �Filling Out a FAFSA� (it's step #2 on the left side of the screen.) Follow the instructions and then use you and your parent's PINs to sign electronically before you begin filling out the application. If you did not obtain a PIN, you can print, sign, and send in a signature page.

2. Fill out the application.

3. Review your answers very carefully, you won't want to make any mistakes.

4. Click the "Submit my FAFSA Now" button once you have completed the entire application.

This button brings you to a webpage with a confirmation number and an estimated loan or grant amount. You will want to print this page and keep it in your records.

<b>Follow-Up:</b>

After you have completed a FAFSA you will receive a follow-up letter. If you provided them with an email address, they'll send you an email within 5 days, if not, you'll receive a letter in the mail within two weeks. This email/letter will give provide you with a link to your online Student Aid Report (SAR). Check your SAR very carefully to make certain your answers are accurate.

NOTE: Use of this article requires links to be intact.

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