Tips to Getting Financial Aid without Delay!
Step 1. Get an email address if you don't already have one. You can obtain a free email account at WWW.mail.yahoo.com.
Step 2. Apply for a PIN (Personal Identification Number) by going to www.pin.ed.gov and apply; your parents should also apply for a PIN number if you are a dependent student. Your PIN should arrive in your email box within two days. If you do not have an email address your PIN will be mailed to the address on your application. You and your parents will use your PIN numbers to electronically sign your Financial Aid Application..
Step 3. Apply for financial aid over the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov. This is the fastest way to apply for financial aid. Make sure to read all of the questions. Many of the questions are straightforward, such as your Name, Social Security Number or your date of birth, but some questions will require you to read the instruction before answering correctly. Questions like “household size,” “investments,” and even “parents” all have common meanings, but are specifically defined and may have slightly different meanings for purposes of federal student aid. Once you have completed your application, make sure you click the submit button and print ALL confirmation pages.
If you do not have access to the Internet, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243) for information on how to get a copy of the application.
Step 4. After your application has been processed, you will receive notice by email - usually within 3 - 5 days. You will then need to go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and print out your Student Aid Report (SAR) and take a copy to the financial aid office for processing. You will also receive a SAR in the mail - usually within 4-6 weeks. However, you need only bring one copy to the Financial Aid office.
WHAT IS THE FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)?
Why should I fill out a FAFSA Application?
The FAFSA is the first step in the financial aid process. It is used to defer enrollment fees and to determine eligibility for student loans, scholarships, Grants, and the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS). It is also used to determine and provide resources to help pay for books, supplies, and other needed educational expenses.Why all the questions?
The Department of Education uses all of your responses with a formula to calculate an expected family contribution (EFC), which measures the family financial strength. This strength is used to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid.
How do I find out what my EFC is?
The Department of Education will send you a report called a SAR (Student Aid Report) either via the Internet or by regular mail. The SAR lists the information you reported on your FAFSA and will give you your EFC. It’s important for you to review your SAR when you receive it to make sure ALL of the information is correct.
How much will I get?
The school will use the EFC to develop a financial aid package based on financial need and availability of funds. Financial need is the difference between your EFC and your school’s cost of attendance (which does include living expenses).
When do I get the Money?
Any aid you are eligible to receive will be paid based on a set schedule posted in the financial aid office. For the current academic year, students who had completed the process and submitted the form to the financial aid office prior to first deadline were paid 25% of their scheduled award at the end of the first week of instruction, and the balance of the award 30 days later. All other students will receive their full amount on the next scheduled disbursement.
Where can I get more information on student aid?
The best place to get information about student financial aid is the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend. You can also check out these resources:
www.studentaid.ed.gov
www.students.gov
The Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).
WARNING!
Be wary of organizations that charge a fee to submit your application or to help you find money for school. Some are legitimate and some are scams. Generally, any help you are charged for, you can also get for free from your school or the U.S. Department of Education.
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