Filling Out the FAFSA Part II

Tips for Completing the Application

By Matthew Bullington

So you now know the basics of what the FAFSA is and when you need to submit it, so how do you go about completing it? Here’s some tips on where to find the application, what information you will need to complete it, how to sign the FAFSA, and some tips and pointers along the way.

Where do you find the FAFSA? The application can be filled out electronically or a paper copy can be

printed out and mailed in (you can also have them mail you a copy). All of these options originate at the website’s homepage, http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.

TIP: Make sure you go to this website, as there are several similar looking websites out there that offer to “help” you complete the application for a fee. Don’t fall for this! Remember that FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Believe me, there will be enough expenses in the application process without paying for services that are offered for free!

Once you are at the website you will find directions for completing the application, a list of eligibility requirements, as well as a host of other tools to help you complete the FAFSA.

Among those tools are several worksheets to help you gather the information you will need. Print those off and fill them out prior to beginning the online application. The information you will need to complete the application includes the student’s social security number, the parents’ Federal Income Tax Returns for the previous year (2007 return for the 2008-2009 application) and untaxed income records for the same year (or the students Returns and records if not a dependent), asset records (bank statement, investment mortgages, stocks, bonds, etc.), and, if you are not a citizen, your alien registration or permanent residence card.

TIP: As you can see there is a fair amount of information that is needed, so take advantage of the worksheets and complete them prior to attempting the online application. This will save you time searching all over for the information, and could save you a headache if you accidently lose your work by losing your connection or having your computer crash while you are spending time searching for the records you need.

Once you have the worksheets filled out and the information entered online, you will have to “sign” your application signifying its authenticity. You can do this in one of three ways. First, you can print out the signature page at the end of the application, sign it and mail this in. Since the signature is not submitted electronically it takes longer to process, so you must complete this prior to the deadline (I would recommend 2 weeks prior). You can also sign electronically through a PIN number. There are instructions on how to do this on the FAFSA website, and the number can be viewed instantly (but takes 1-3 days to use), e-mailed to you, or mailed to you. You have to have a PIN number both for the parent and the student.

TIP: For the fastest option, have the PIN numbers e-mailed to you. Keep them in your records, as they can be used again each year and save you time.

The third option is to sign and return your Student Aid Report, once you receive it. This option by far takes the most time, and would require you to complete the FAFSA well before your state or school deadline.

Well there is a quick overview of the steps required to complete the application. Go to the website and look at their guidelines and help. The important thing to remember for all processes involved in applying for college is to not procrastinate, which can lead to headaches, stress, and even possibly missed opportunities. Keep your senior year enjoyable, and get things done on time!

Matthew

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