Things to remember when applying for financial aid:
Apply Early
Submission of all application materials by the priority date of April 1 will ensure you are fully considered for all programs for which you are eligible.
Apply for a FSA User ID
Before completing your FAFSA online, apply for your FSA User ID online at studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing. If you are a dependent student, your parent will need to apply for a FSA User ID also. Your FSA User ID is used to electronically sign your FAFSA online.
Use full name and correct Social Security number
Use of nicknames, varying names on different forms, and incorrect Social Security numbers will delay the processing of your application.
Read and follow instructions
Leaving blanks or making errors on the FAFSA can delay the processing of your application. Be accurate.
Do not estimate
Use financial information taken directly from your previous year federal income tax returns to complete the FAFSA. If you estimate income figures, corrections later may delay the evaluation of your application.
Filing status
Your filing status (dependent or independent) is determined as of the date that your FAFSA is filed. No changes can be made in your filing status once you have filed the FAFSA for any given year.
Keep good records
Retain photocopies of all applications and correspondence in a special file. Include copies of all tax forms and the FAFSA instruction bulletin.
Respond quickly
Be sure that you respond as soon as possible to requests from our office or the federal processor.
Ask questions
Call or visit us if you have questions or need help in completing your forms. If you call to discuss your application, keep notes of when you called, with whom you talked, and what was discussed. Ask for an appointment if you need to visit.
