FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Colleges use the FAFSA form to determine how much money the student and their parents should contribute toward college. Each school that accepts the student prepares a financial aid package, which shows the family how much money the college will offer and how much the family must pay.
Filling out one FAFSA application will provide information to the federal and state government as well as the student's colleges of choice. It is important to fill out the form properly.
1. Complete the entire FAFSA financial aid application. If you are unsure about an answer, wait to submit the form, if the answer is zero, put a "0" on the line. The computer that reads the forms may reject one with blanks.
2. You must complete the FAFSA forms each year. Do not miss the deadline for FAFSA renewal. Even if your financial situation has remained the same, you must complete the form annually.
3. Do not wait until the last minute to complete your FAFSA forms. The college may reject your FAFSA form if it has errors or is incomplete and you will miss the deadline for financial aid.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Have all necessary paperwork before you begin for an error free FAFSA financial aid application
It is necessary to know your family's income and expenses to complete the FAFSA application. To complete the form, have current bank statements, mortgage information and other financial papers. It is also necessary to have proper identification, such as a driver's license or student identification card and a social security card. By having the information at hand, you reduce the chance of error.
I recommend: FastWeb lets you know what financial and personal documents you need to complete the FAFSA. After completing the FAFSA, visit
College Gold to see the most common errors on FAFSA applications, and make sure that your form is correct.
Know the FAFSA deadlines to get your application in on time
The federal government gives you until June 30th to submit FAFSA forms, but this is not the deadline you need to be aware of. States have their own deadline for receiving FAFSA forms, and the majority of state's deadlines are in the spring, before the federal deadline. Colleges often have their own deadlines as well.
I recommend: Visit
College Answer to find the FAFSA deadline for your state. If you feel overwhelmed at the thought of completing the FAFSA, consider help.
College Goal Sunday is a nationwide initiative that allows students and parents to receive help with the FAFSA at no cost.
Use the Internet to complete your FAFSA application
Completing your FAFSA application online has several advantages. Institutions process your application sooner, so you will receive your results more quickly. Built in edit checks help reduce the risk of errors. You will also receive instant verification that they received your form, which may ease your mind.
I recommend: Use the FAFSA form on the
federal government's website. While the FAFSA is available on other sites, they may charge a fee for transmitting your application. Even if you decide to use postal mail to submit your FAFSA application, visit an online calculator, like the one available at
CollegeToolKit.com, to learn what your Expected Family Contribution will be.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Missing a deadline for your application or FAFSA renewal can make you ineligible for financial aid during the next school year.
- You must complete a FAFSA application to receive any federal loans or grants, including the Pell Grant and Stafford Loans, as well as work-study programs.
- Some states and schools have their own requirements for financial aid paperwork, in addition to the FAFSA. Speak with your high school guidance counselor or college admissions office for more specific details.
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