Contributed by Jennifer Andrews, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru
The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, provides financial aid to colleges and the federal government to assist students.
It is important for applicants to fill out the application as accurately as possible so they can know exactly how much funding they are receiving and plan accordingly. Check out the following top ten FAFSA on the web tips below to avoid unnecessary errors and processing delays.
10. Research
Do some research prior to starting and submitting a FAFSA application on the web. Check out the FAFSA website for answers to frequently asked questions.
9. Determine eligibility
Prior to starting an application, it’s essential to determine if you’re even eligible to apply to FAFSA! Check out eligibility requirements at Student Aid on the Web.
8. Organize
The FAFSA requires that you have a number of documents at hand in order to properly complete the application. Gather your driver’s license, Social Security Number, tax returns and recent bank statements to speed up the process.
7. Taxes
One of the top FAFSA on the web tips is to complete your tax returns prior to filling out the application. This will ensure you have correct information filled in and avoid having to go back and make changes at a later date.
6. Online
Complete the FAFSA application online to ensure efficiency and avoid making mistakes.
5. PIN number
Applicants can apply for a PIN number before completing the FAFSA which will help them sign the document electronically and make corrections to submitted work.
4. Fill it in
Avoid leaving blanks fields where numeric values are requested throughout the application form. If the answer to a question is zero, be sure to fill in “0” versus nothing.
3. Support
Dependent students should enlist the support of family members from the start to help make the application process efficient and avoid errors.
2. Double-check
FAFSA on the web applicants should double-check all facts and figures they enter on the application to avoid making mistakes that can further delay the process.
1. January 1st
Applicants should not sign, date or mail the FAFSA application prior to January 1st of the year of application.