Apply for Financial Aid
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The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA application is used to apply for federal student grants, work-study aid, and loans. You may also use this application to apply for most state and some private aid.
Steps to submitting the FAFSA:
Step 1: Mark all financial aid application deadlines on a calendar, and apply early
Look into each college's own student aid programs. Ask about application procedures, required forms and deadlines.
Explore private scholarships and grants. Check the requirements and deadlines - some deadlines may be as early as September. Keep record of all important dates.
Step 2: Get a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov
The Personal Identification Number (PIN) serves as your electronic signature for the online FAFSA application and provides access to your personal information.
Go to www.pin.ed.gov to complete the PIN application. When you receive your PIN keep this in a secure place. You need this PIN for all years you re-apply for and complete the FAFSA. Losing it can cause delays.
Step 3: Collect the financial documents needed to apply
The US Department of Education's FAFSA site provides a checklist for the documents needed.
Step 4: Complete the FAFSA form
Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and click Filling Out a FAFSA. File online if possible - it's the fastest way to file and it's the easiest way to make any needed changes. The paper form is available at your high school, public libraries and colleges. Be sure to ask each college if they have additional financial aid application forms that are required.
Here are tips for foster youth to help answer some of the questions on the FAFSA form:
College Goal Sunday is a free workshop that helps you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the form that's required to apply for financial assistance for higher education. The next College Goal Sunday takes place in January 2008 in several locations across Washington state.
Step 5: Review the Student Aid Report (SAR) and make any needed corrections
Within two weeks after submitting the FAFSA, expect the Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR states the amount of aid for which you are eligible.
Step 6: Contact the school's financial aid office
After submitting the FAFSA, make sure the schools have all the information they need to build your financial aid package.