Preparing For The FAFSA
Getting Started
For most students, the place to begin applying for scholarships is the Department of Education’s Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA).
The FAFSA is a detailed application that helps determine whether you qualify for government grants and loans as well as affects the financial aid package your school may offer you. It is extremely important to understand the details of this application, and how to manage the financial information you present.
However, in addition to those federal and school aid programs, many scholarships, in particular need-based ones, also require a copy of your completed FAFSA application to apply. Fortunately, we make filling out the FAFSA pretty painless with the following directions:
1. Gather the required documents, including W-2 or pay stubs, bank statements, business and investment records, and mortgage information.
2. Determine your dependency status.
3. Apply for a PIN and have your parents do the same if needed (it will expedite the signing/verification process).
4. Look up the desired school codes (you can do this during the application process, towards the end).
5. Fill out the FAFSA form online (we provide help here).
6. Make corrections and updates every year or as your situation changes.
Once you have finished filling out the application, and signed or submitted your PIN, your application is sent to your colleges of choice. You should receive your financial aid package from the school within 3-4 months, giving you another 2-3 months before school starts to complete the necessary steps and secure your grants, loans, and scholarships.
In addition to completing a FAFSA, you may wish to complete a Collegeboard PROFILE application. Some schools and scholarship programs require this in addition to the FAFSA. Check with your college before filling it out to avoid wasting time and money (unlike the FAFSA, which is completely free, they charge to send your application to each school).
