Blonch

Beat the Federal Student Aid deadline:

• Apply as early as possible beginning January 1^st of each year for the school year that will begin next Fall.
• Schools and states have their own deadlines. Contact them for exact deadline dates.

At many schools, the early-bird gets the scholarships! Since you must include last year’s income information, it is advantageous to file your income tax returns as early as possible each year to be ready to file FAFSA well before the deadline. Sooner IS better.

Here are the basic steps to be ready to file the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Gather the documents you need for FAFSA:

• Social Security Number
• driver’s license
• income tax returns (for student, parents, and or spouse)
• untaxed income records
• bank statements
• business and investment records
• alien registration or permanent resident card (if you are not a U.S. citizen).

Print a FAFSA on the Web Worksheet.

• Write in your answers and gather your parents’ information

This will expedite the process when you do the online application (FAFSA on the Web).

Plan how to sign your FAFSA.

You can either sign electronically with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) or by mailing in a signature page. Mailing in a signature page delays processing your FAFSA. However, you cannot immediately obtain a PIN. You can apply early for your PIN if you are going to sign electronically. You can speed up the process by signing your FAFSA electronically with your PIN. Either parent can sign electronically too. Go ahead and apply early for both the student and the parent PIN. Maybe you would like to apply for a PIN now!

Not sure if you will qualify for FAFSA?

• Check your eligibility for federal student aid.
• Note important FAFSA deadlines.

Filed under:
College Costs by PecosJack