1. Financial Aid Step-By-Step

2. Apply for FAFSA Pin NOW! Find a link on Guidance web page The student (that’s you)and at least one parent must have a PIN. If a parent already has a FAFSA PIN they do not need another one! Don’t Lose it!!!

3. Find College’s Financial Aid Priority Deadlines Examples: SUNY Canton – March 15 LeMoyne College - February 1 Find this information on the college web page!

4. Complete FAFSA Starting January 1 st If your parents don’t have their taxes done estimate!

5. Find a FAFSA On-Line at www.fafsa.ed.gov or on the guidance web page link! DO NOT USE www.fafsa.com!!!!!! www.fafsa.ed.gov

6. Complete TAP Application if you will be attending a NY State college! do it from the FAFSA link at the end of the FAFSA application process. If you don’t you will have to wait for about 3 days for information to be available.

7. Check E-mail or other Communications Be sure you read your mail and check your email for correspondence. Return necessary forms.

8. Review Your SAR (Student Aid Report) – Make Corrections Be sure you and your parents check this closely. Any mistake can really change your financial award. Also make changes for estimated income.

9. Send ALL Supporting Documentation Be sure you send the right information. You are asking for financial help….. You may have to prove you deserve it!

10. Receive Financial Aid Package from the College Tuition Room and Board Books Fees Travel Personal expenses Health Insurance Compare packages from different colleges

11. Accept All or Part of Financial Aid Package (Compare it to the cost of attendance) Review your package and respond. You may not want to except everything that is on it. Don’t assume more debt then you need. You will have to pay it back.

12. Items in the Financial Aid Package: Grants/Scholarships – Money you don’t have to pay back Subsidized Loans– Government pays interest while is college Unsubsidized Loans- Interest is added on to what you owe PLUS Loans – Parent Loans Work Study – Work program used for spending money College is a huge investment in your future. Don’t Borrow more then you need!

13. Student Loans All federal student loans are done through the college financial aid office. Be sure to do your promissory note!

14. Apply for All Scholarships you Qualify For. Look for these on the guidance web page, the guidance office, student/parent employer or other organizations, college financial aid office or do an on-line search

15. √ Check it out! √ Check it out! ___Apply for a FAFSA PIN ___A Parent needs to apply for a PIN unless they already have one. ___Find priority Deadlines ___Complete the FAFSA after January 1 st ___Complete the TAP application if you plan to attend a NYS college ___Read All correspondence from the college ___Send All required supporting documents ___Review your Student Aid Report (SAR); Make corrections if needed ___Review College Financial Aid Packages ___Decide which college you will attend ___Decide what part of your financial aid package you will accept ___Do promissory notes if you will be taking a student or parent loan.