You can obtain and submit a FAFSA online or through your school's financial aid office. This article explains the online application process only.
Completing a FAFSA online is fast, free, and simple.
Before Filling Out A FAFSA:
The first thing that you will need to do before filling out a FAFSA is to obtain a PIN (Personal Identification Number.) You can apply for a PIN through the U.S. Department of Education at www.pin.ed.gov. Parent's of dependents will need a PIN as well.
You can use your PIN to electronically sign your FAFSA, review your electronic Student Aid Report (SAR), reapply for federal student aid annually, and see online information about any federal loans or grants you have received.
You will need to have certain documents on hand so that you can refer to them as you fill out your FAFSA. These documents are: your Social Security card (you won't need this if you have your SSN memorized), driver's license, previous years W-2 form and any additional income records, last years Federal Income Tax Return, and your parents' Federal Income Tax return from the previous year. You will also need your untaxed income records (social security, temporary assistance to needy families, welfare, or veteran's benefits) from last year, current bank statements, and current business and investment information.
Completing A FAFSA:
After you have acquired your PIN and the needed documents, you may begin filling out a FAFSA.
1. On FAFSA.ed.gov click on �Filling Out a FAFSA�. Follow the instructions and then use your PIN to sign electronically before you start. If for some reason you don't have a PIN, you can print, sign, and mail in a signature page.
2. Follow the instructions to fill out the application.
3. Examine your answers very carefully, you won't want to make any mistakes.
4. As soon as you have finished the application, click "Submit my FAFSA Now."
Clicking this button brings you to a page with a confirmation number and an estimated loan or grant amount. You will want to print this page and place it somewhere safe.
Follow-Up:
When you are done with the FAFSA you will receive a follow-up letter. If you provided them with an email address, they will send you an email within 5 days, if not, you will receive a letter in the mail within two weeks. This letter will give provide you with a link to your online Student Aid Report (SAR). Follow this link and check your SAR very cautiously to make sure your answers are accurate.
NOTE: Use of this article requires links to be intact.
