FAFSA Helpful Tips

10 Helpful Tips When Filing a FAFSA

1. Create your FSA ID
Enter your name and Social Security number exactly as they appear on your card.

2. Ensure correct login info is being used
Be sure the student is entering their username and password. They should be in the "I am a student and want to access the FAFSA form" section. Do not start the FAFSA form by supplying the parent's username and password in the student role.

3. Collect the necessary documents
 During the FAFSA application process, you are asked a variety of questions about yourself and your financial situation.  (Social Security card, your parents' Social Security numbers and emails if you are a dependent student, your driver's license number, your Alien Registration number if you are not US citizen, tax documents, records of untaxed income, information about cash)

4. Start soon and reserve plenty of time
For new users, we recommend creating the FSA ID a few days before starting the FAFSA. Identity verification takes 1-3 days. Most people take less than an hour to complete and submit a new FAFSA. If you submitted your form online, the FAFSA typically processes within 3-5 days. FAFSA paper forms take 2-3 weeks to process.

5. Carefully watch videos provided after login
Understanding the FAFSA is now easier than ever! After applicants log in, they receive 4 videos to guide them through the process. Topics include: What is the FAFSA form, Who is a contributor, What to expect and After submitting form. These videos answer the most common FAFSA questions.

6.Don't use decimals or cents 
When filling in financial information, use whole dollar amounts. One hundred dollars should be indicated as $100 instead of $100.00.
Rather than leaving an income question blank, you should indicate zero. 

7. Your marital status is determined by the date on which your FAFSA application is submitted
At the time of filing the FAFSA, it refers to the marital status of the student and/or parents. Answer 'Yes' to Marital Status if someone is separated but still married. 

8. Even if you file your taxes independently, you might be considered a "dependent" on your FAFSA
Under the age of 24, most students will be required to indicate whether they are dependents. Please read this portion of your FAFSA application carefully. 

9. Saving a FAFSA form is not enough
A FAFSA form isn't complete until all required contributors provide their info and give consent. They also must approve the transfer of tax information and provide their signatures. After you and your parent (and/or any other required contributor) sign and submit the FAFSA form, the form will be complete. Then, it will be submitted for processing.

10. Include your SSN on your admissions application
Your Social Security Number (SSN) is required in order for us to receive your FAFSA.
When completing the admissions application, we urge you to include your SSN. If you chose not to add it or forgot to, you must update this information to get financial aid. This can cause long delays. They could affect the review of your financial aid application.