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Top FAFSA Tips to Fill Out your Application in No Time
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is not an enjoyable process. It’s a confusing and lengthy application that can make your head spin because it does require you to think critically and strategically about your finances. If you haven’t yet applied for financial aid, it might seem even more overwhelming than it is. However, with the right amount of guidance and preparation, you can complete the FAFSA quickly and accurately.
But first, what is FAFSA?
FAFSA stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is a form used by colleges to determine how much money you are eligible to receive for tuition and general school expenses. FAFSA also determines how much you will pay for health care, housing, and food. To receive these funds, you must complete the FAFSA every year before or during your senior year of high school. FAFSA is used by all levels of education, whether you are pursuing a high school diploma or a Ph.D.
The FAFSA opens on October 1st, and it is when you can start the application process and then submit it online before June 30th of the same academic year. It is advised to apply as soon as possible, as the earlier you file, the more likely you are to receive financial aid. The financial aid offices at each university are usually under a lot of pressure to distribute their funds. The sooner you apply, the more likely you are to receive a more significant amount. If you apply late, however, you may find that your financial aid is less than you anticipated or nonexistent; this is because many universities have a limited supply of funds to distribute and are often forced to give preference to applicants who applied early.
Best FAFSA Tips To Help You Fill Out Your Application
It may seem like a lot of effort to complete this application to receive financial aid from your school or other organizations such as the state or federal government. But trust us, it’s worth it in the end! The sooner you fill out your FAFSA, the sooner you know if you are eligible for financial aid—which means more cash (or perhaps grants) coming your way! Here are some helpful tips to get started on completing your FAFSA:
Tip #1 Get your Tax information together
The first step to completing your FAFSA application is to get your tax information together, meaning looking over your previous tax returns and gathering the necessary information. There are several documents that you will need to complete the FAFSA application.
These include your social security card, driver’s license, most recent tax return, spouse’s social security card, and driver’s license. The information on these documents must match exactly with the information on the FAFSA application for it to be accepted.
If you are a dependent student, your parent(s) must provide the same documents. If you are a married student, your spouse must provide their social security card and driver’s license. You will also need your bank account and investment account information and information about any loans you may have.
Tip #2Think about FAFSA strategically
It is essential to be strategic when deciding which school you will apply to. Some universities and financial aid offices may have a higher budget for providing financial aid than others. So, more money may be available to students who apply to that institution, so you may have a better chance of receiving more assistance.
Be strategic when deciding which types of financial aid you will apply for; for example, you may decide that you will only apply for grants and not loans, or vice versa. Also, remember that you can apply for more than one type of financial aid.
You can complete a FAFSA for financial assistance from your state, the federal government, and school. And, of course, deciding how and when you will complete your FAFSA application plays a role. You may want to apply for aid earlier in the year when fewer students are applying for financial aid than in the fall.
Tip #3 Check to see which colleges will receive your FAFSA
Many organizations receive your FAFSA information, including your state and federal governments. However, when you fill out the application, you can choose which colleges you want your FAFSA information sent to. You can choose to send your FAFSA information to a few select colleges and avoid clogging the system with unnecessary paperwork. Make sure, however, that the college(s) you choose will be able to provide you with enough aid to cover the cost of tuition!
Tip #4 Be Organized
Be as accurate as possible when filling out the FAFSA application. Any mistakes or inaccurate information can result in a denial of financial aid.
The FAFSA application is long and complicated, so make sure to get help if you need it! You can ask teachers, family members, friends, your school’s financial aid advisor for help, or a college admission consultants.
Be sure to submit your FAFSA application as early as possible. Would you rather be the first person done or the last?
Organize your information, and have all your documents and numbers ready before you begin filling out the FAFSA application.
Conclusion
Yes, the FAFSA can be a challenging application to complete; however, if you are organized and strategic, you can complete it successfully. Remember, the sooner you fill out your FAFSA, the more likely you are to receive financial aid from your school or other organizations. So get started on completing your FAFSA as soon as possible!