How To Apply for Financial Aid

If you want to receive government or college-based financial aid, you will have to apply using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and possibly other application forms. Some colleges may have their own financial aid application. Make sure you complete all required applications. Check with your high school counselor or the financial aid office at the college you wish to attend. You can apply online by going to www.fafsa.ed.gov. FAFSA applications for next year-the year you are attending college-are available by December of your senior year.

To complete your applications. Assemble the following information:

• Previous year federal and State income tax forms for you, your parents, and your spouse.
• W-2 forms or end-of-year pay stubs (if estimating income).
• Records of untaxed income - for example: child support and untaxed income from such agencies as Social Services, Social Security, and the Veterans’ Administration.
• Bank account balances; list of stocks, bonds, and other assets; and the estimated value and mortgage balance of your other real estate (not including your home).

You can start anytime by applying for a Federal Student Aid Personal Identification Number (PIN) at www.pin.ed.gov. Your parents will also need to apply for a PIN if you plan to complete the FAFSA online. Your PIN will arrive in about one week. Then you can complete and submit the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or use the paper FAFSA to apply. You can also link to this from www.hesc.org. If you are a New York State resident applying to a college in New York State, you will be able to complete your TAP Application online located at the end of your FAFSA or HESC will send you a pre-printed Express TAP Application (ETA) after you submit your paper FAFSA.

File On Time - Make Sure You Meet Application Deadlines

Check with each college and file in time to meet the earliest deadline. You can file your financial aid applications using estimated income if your tax forms have not been completed. The most accurate estimated income figures can be taken from end-of-year pay stubs or W-2 forms. Give yourself plenty of time to fill out the applications accurately and submit them by the deadline date.

Ask the professionals. If you have questions, contact the financial aid administrator at the college you plan to attend or your high school counselor. These professionals have the latest information and are available to assist you.