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!Completing the FAFSA!

2016 March 17 by Jennifer Walker

FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid that students fill out each year for financial aid.
Three ways to fill out your FAFSA
1) Online at FAFSA
2)By downloading and completing a PDF FAFSA ( got to FAFSA and scroll to FAFSA filling options)
3) By requesting and completing a paper FAFSA (request a copy by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID [1-800-433-3243])
*Applying online is generally faster and easier. The schools you list on your application will receive your processed information faster.*

Using a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) to sign your application:
While students, parents, and borrowers are not required to use an FSA ID, made up of a username and password, to submit a FAFSA electronically, it is the fastest way to complete, sign, and submit the application.
Your FSA ID is used to confirm your identity when accessing your financial aid information and electronically signing your FAFSA and other documents. The FSA ID replaced the Federal Student Aid PIN in May 2015. If you already have a PIN, you can link your information to your new FSA ID by entering your PIN while registering for your FSA ID. (This will save time when registering for your FSA ID.) However, a PIN is not required to create an FSA ID.

The FSA ID process consists of three main steps:
1. Enter your log-in information.
a) Provide your e-mail address, a unique username, and password.
b) Verify that you are at least 13 years old.
2. Enter your personal information.
a) Provide your Social Security number, name, and date of birth.
b) Include your mailing address, e-mail address, telephone number, and language
preference.
c) For security purposes, provide answers to five challenge questions.
3. Submit your FSA ID information.
a) Agree to the terms and conditions.
b) Verify your e-mail address. (Note: By verifying your e-mail address, you can use your e-mail address as your username when logging into certain ED
websites. This verification also allows you to retrieve your username or reset your password without answering challenge questions.)
*Tip: If you already have a Federal Student Aid PIN, you can link your PIN to your FSA ID. This allows you to use your FSA ID immediately to access your personal information any of the ED websites that require a FSA ID.

If you filed a FAFSA previously
When you start to complete your 2016–17 application, you will be asked if you want the information from the 2015–16 FAFSA to pre-fill the new application. You will be given this option if you filed a 2015–16 FAFSA. This process will allow you to complete the 2016–17 FAFSA in less time.

*If you have any questions or need help filling out the FAFSA, Financial Aid in Cass Hall is always ready to help!

Filed Under: General

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