1 Tips for College Bound Students The FAFSA

2 FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid It’s the form that the federal government uses to determine your eligibility for federal aid, including Grants Work-study Loans Additionally, this form is often used in applications for State aid Private awards (scholarships, college grants and loans)

3 Student submits completed FAFSA Federal processor determines Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Federal processor sends Student Aid Report (SAR), which includes your EFC Using your EFC, your prospective college determines your financial need Prospective college develops a financial aid package to try and meet need. Sends student an award letter

4 SUBMIT the FAFSA whether or not you think you qualify for aid. Sometimes applying for federal aid is a prerequisite for receiving private awards. Complete the FAFSA online at You can also pick up a copy at your high school, college or local library.

5 If possible, complete your FAFSA online. It is the most secure and accurate way to transfer your information, and it speeds up the process. Get a Federal Student Aid PIN, so you can electronically sign (and make any corrections) to your FAFSA online. To register for a PIN, or for more information visit

6 Review all of your data on the FAFSA every year – send a renewal FASFA. Your eligibility can change from year to year, depending on your family’s circumstances.

7 Submit your FAFSA after January 1. Complete your FAFSA as soon as possible. Early submission maximizes chances of receiving financial aid.

8 Contact your prospective college’s financial aid office for additional aid application information. Your school may require additional forms besides the FAFSA or may have an earlier submission deadline.

9 Read your Student Aid Report (SAR) carefully. The SAR is your official record that the federal processor received your FAFSA. If you find any errors on your SAR, you should report them to your prospective college’s financial aid administrator to ask how you should make corrections. Unresolved errors could impact your total aid award.

10 Check the status of your FAFSA online at Submitted a paper-copy? Check your status online, available 10 days after submission. Submitted electronically with PIN? Check your status online, available 3-5 days after submission.

11 Note your Data Release Number (DRN). The four-digit number located on the upper right-hand corner of your SAR. You will need your DRN to apply to additional colleges or universities.

12 Check to see if your FAFSA has been selected for verification. On your SAR look under the date for the letters “EFC”. If there is an asterisk (*) after your EFC, your SAR has been selected. In the verification process, your prospective college compares your FAFSA with documents, including tax returns to verify your financial status. About one-third of all SARs are selected for verification.

13 If asked for FAFSA verification, submit the information requested to your prospective college’s financial aid office as soon as possible. Your aid may be delayed or decreased if materials are not provided promptly. Your school cannot disburse aid until verification is complete.

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