FAFSA

The FAFSA stands for "Free Application for Federal Student Aid". It is the only form the federal government uses to calculate your financial need. It is also the only form you will need at most colleges, although the universities sometimes have slightly different formulas for calculating your financial need.

In any circumstance, it should be the first financial aid form that you file.

The Basic Calculation

Your slightly simplified financial need calculation is:

Cost of Attendance less Expected Family Contribution equals Financial Need

Tips for Completing the FAFSA Form

• File the form as soon after January 1 as possible

• Make sure the forms contain all the necessary signatures

• Keep a photocopy of the mailed form

• Answer "yes" to the questions about your interest in work study and other forms of financial aid. This does not commit you to anything and only gives you valuable options that you can pursue later.

• Submit the original form produced by the U.S. Department of Education. Photocopies and other reproductions are not accepted.

• Do not include any addendums or other attachments with your FAFSA. If you have any type of extenuating circumstances, you will have to take it up with the financial aid administrator at the school to which you are applying.

Common FAFSA Filing Mistakes

1. Report income from the 1040, not the W-2

2. Include untaxed income such as Aid to Dependent Children (ADC)

3. Include step parents' income

4. Leave nothing blank. (Fill in zeros if necessary, but don't let the processor think you missed a line.)

5. implications on your family's financial outlook. A good consultant will help you construct an essay topic and proof and polish the draft.

What to do When You Receive Your SAR

About 4 weeks after submitting your FAFSA, you will receive your SAR (student aid report). This is your acknowledgement that your FAFSA was processed and it will contain a summary of the amount of aid you can expect to receive. Examine this report and call 1-800-4-FED-AID if you do find any mistakes. You will also want to note your DRN (data release number). This will be needed for to apply for financial aid at any additional colleges.

Additional FAFSA and SAR Information

• SAR abbreviations - Commonly-used abbreviations on the SAR.

• FAFSA FAQ - Answers to frequently-asked questions about the FAFSA.

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