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TIPS ON COMPLETING THE FAFSA
Step 1: File a FAFSA
- FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov lets you complete and submit the form via the Internet.
- FAFSA Express software lets you complete and submit the FAFSA through your modem.
Step 2: Gather Documents
- Your Social Security card and driver's license
- W-2 forms and other records of income earned
- Federal tax returns for both you and your parents
- Records of other untaxed income (e.g., welfare benefits, Social Security benefits, AFDC or ADC, veteran's benefits)
- Current bank statements
- Records of stocks, bonds and other investments
- Business or farm records
- Your alien registration card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
Step 3: Complete the FAFSA
- Be sure to fill out the FAFSA accurately and completely in order to avoid delays in the processing of your financial aid.
- Answer every question. If the answer to a question is zero, or if it does not apply to you, write or enter zero (0).
- Use your legal name as it appears on your Social Security card; do not use your nickname.
- Be careful not to enter today's year as your birth year.
- Be sure to enter your housing status for each school listed on your FAFSA.
- If you want to be considered for state aid, answer "yes" to the question about releasing information to state agencies.
- Be sure to sign the paper form. If you complete an electronic version, be sure to print out the signature page and mail it as instructed as soon as possible.
Step 4: Submit the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible.
About four weeks after you file your paper FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Carefully review the information on the SAR to make sure it is accurate; if you need to make corrections, submit the changes as instructed on the form. Those who filed online may make corrections on the website.
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