Custom Search
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available for 2010-11. The online FAFSA is what must be completed to apply for federal and state financial aid. The Department of Education has streamlined the online process, there are still some common mistakes that students make when filing. The following are some tips for completing the FAFSA properly:
- Don't leave questions blank. If something does not apply to you, enter a '0' or 'not applicable'. Not only will this continue the flow of the application, but it will prevent your financial aid office from having to go back to you later to ask for the answer.
- Don't use a comma or decimal point! These will skew your answer. Always round to the nearest dollar.
- Make sure you use your correct Social Security number.
- Make sure you answer the drug-related question. Failure to answer, or answering incorrectly, could prohibit you from receiving financial aid until corrected.
- Be sure to enter your tax information correctly. All too often, students don't report the correct tax paid amount. It's not the amount withheld from your pay, but rather the calculated amount from the tax return instructions. Also, wages is usually not the same as the Adjusted Gross Income. Wages are what you (or your parents) earned from work.
- Remember to list all of the colleges for which you want the FAFSA information sent. Schools will not receive your results if you don't list them in the college selection section.
- Sign and date the FAFSA! You can electronically sign your online application by using your PIN.
- The FAFSA isn't nearly as complicated as it used to be. In fact, the Department of Education has done a pretty good job of making the application easier to navigate for 2010-11. There are many safeguards in place to help you complete the online form, but you still must be careful that you complete the information properly.
Additionally, Answers on the Fafsa and Financial Aid New York Times (blog) Mark Kantrowitz, an expert on paying for college and the founder of FinAid.org replies to reader-submitted questions about the Free … Empowering Parents: What does financial aid include? SDNN Cochise College plans event to help students get aid Nogales International Part 5: Answers on the Fafsa and Financial Aid New York Times (blog) all 10 news articles
Go here to read the rest:
Part 6: Answers on the Fafsa and Financial Aid - New York Times (blog)
