How to complete the FAFSA
Completing and submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid( FAFSA) is the single most important action you can take to get money for college.
The FAFSA is used by schools to put together your financial aid package, including grants, work-study, federal student loans, and even state and school financial aid.
If you’ re applying for financial aid for academic year 2017 – 18, you can now submit your FAFSA starting October 1, 2016, using your 2015 income tax return. Be sure to submit the FAFSA every year you’ re in college. Aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so know your deadlines and apply as early as you can to maximize your financial aid. For the most current information on this and other changes, be sure to visit studentaid. ed. gov.
How to complete the FAFSA
These three simple steps can make the process faster and easier. Step 1: Gather all the information you’ ll need, including:
· Your drivers’ license and Social Security number Your parents’ Social Security numbers and birthdates
· Your family’ s latest federal income tax returns W-2 forms
· Bank statements Information on your family’ s investments
Step 2: Bookmark FAFSA. gov
· Don’ t fall for scams. The only site you should use to fill out and submit your application is FAFSA. gov.
· There’ s no charge for submitting the FAFSA.
· This is where you get your Federal Student Aid( FSA) ID; the user name and password give you access to the site.
· The site also has the most up-to-date information on upcoming changes.
Step 3: Submit your FAFSA
· The easiest and fastest way is to file online with your FSA ID. Your application will be processed within 3-5 days.
· You can mail in a paper application, but the processing time will take about 7-10 days.
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