02.12.10 | FAFSA and You
To open, I’d like to ask a simple question: Have you filed your FAFSA yet? If no, you should know that the FAFSA is one of the most valuable financial aid tools in a student’s arsenal (besides scholarships and grants, which are the best) because it shows the government and your school that you need money for college.
In the eyes of your future school, neglecting to file a FAFSA is equivalent to leaving a gigantic tip on on a small meal – you only do it because you don’t care, or money is no object. Depending on your level of need, there is potential to get a significant portion of your cost of attendance financed at attractive interest rates, and/or qualify for a Pell Grant, which you do not need to pay back. Also, the FAFSA applies to both undergraduate AND graduate students.
So why the urgency? “I read on the Government website that my FAFSA isn’t actually due until June 30, right?” — Technically yes, but the real answer is no. In the case of colleges and universities, the financial aid department of your school will actually set a separate financial aid deadline in order to give themselves enough time to put together everyone’s aid packages.
The bottom line: The longer you wait to file your FAFSA, the less chance you have of receiving an excellent financial aid package from your school. Also, be on the lookout for a separate school-only financial aid form – sometimes they require more than just the FAFSA to evaluate your need; you can contact your financial aid office to ask if there are more forms involved.
One last thing! Don’t forget to send your FAFSA to all the schools you applied to. When you are completing the application, there will be an option toward the end to add the receiving schools by school code… just make sure you get them all in there and you will be A-OK paperwork-wise when your school begins to review financial need.
ScholarshipPoints Redemption Code: FAFSA2K10
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Thanks to God that I did it. It really help .
June 3rd, 2010 | #
Hi Austin,
If your mother did not file her tax return and you are under 24 years old, then you won't be able to even complete the FAFSA application. Tax information for the previous year is required in order to determine your EFC and ultimately, figure out how much they can lend/award you in financial aid.
If you are under 24 years old, make sure she files an IRS 1040 or 1040EZ form as soon as possible. We are past the tax deadline now, but the sooner that form is submitted and accepted, the quicker you can get federal aid. There are tons of websites that help automate the process, including Turbotax and Taxslayer.com.
If you are 24 or older, you don't need her tax information for the FAFSA and can just go forward using your own financial information from last year.
May 26th, 2010 | #
I filled out the FAFSA but my mother did not file a tax return. To qualify for the Pell Grant I was told I must fill out a form fromhttp://www.irs.gov. Problem is I have no clue what form to fill out. HELP!!
May 25th, 2010 | #
I always apply for the FAFSA fairly early but my school application usually ends up taking life thus impacting my financial aid anyway
May 5th, 2010 | #
I applied for FAFSA and on my way to bigger, higher and better thing in life for me and hope and pray that everyone will apply. GOOD LUCK
May 3rd, 2010 | #
can be difficult but in the end its all worth it
May 1st, 2010 | #
i wish i read this article before filling out my form
April 23rd, 2010 | #
i already did mine
April 20th, 2010 | #
If you can't fill it out by yourself; you can go to the financial aid office at your school, and they will help you
April 20th, 2010 | #
F.A. F. S. A. Helps me ands other students to fulfill their College Dreams and It takes alot of stress off of you, worrying about how I am going to pay for my College Education, and books. Because if I was not elgible for F.A.F.S.A. I would have stop, because I could not afford to pay my semester turition for the next four years.
April 15th, 2010 | #
I applying hope all goes well. good luck everyone
April 15th, 2010 | #
Why is the Governor of each State taking over the Federal Grants monies in each State.
April 15th, 2010 | #
FAFSA !!! thanks for the reminder.
April 14th, 2010 | #
Cool! this was helpful! thanks for the information!
April 13th, 2010 | #
Oh, thank you for this information, I didn't know about FAFSA before
April 13th, 2010 | #
Luckily, I applied early this year.
April 13th, 2010 | #
The fafsa is a cool way to get money real quick
April 12th, 2010 | #
This is great! but i cant apply for a FAFSA
April 12th, 2010 | #
Hi Joy,
If you are still in school you can file your FAFSA late and potentially still get some federal funds towards your education.
April 12th, 2010 | #
@ Jessie – When you apply for the FAFSA and submit your income information to the Department of Education, it also serves to qualify you for a range of grants. Basically, if your EFC is under $15,000 or so, you could potentially qualify for a Pell Grant that does not have to be repaid.
Pretty great program for low income individuals & families. Hope this answers your question
April 12th, 2010 | #
I applied for FAFSA, but how is that related to Pell Grants?
April 12th, 2010 | #
I did not do FAFSA, but I wish i did.
April 11th, 2010 | #
to many questions
April 11th, 2010 | #
I filled out my FAFSA and and I received aid from the colleges that I applied to.
April 11th, 2010 | #
I already did my Fafsa, but I’ll be sure to send some of my friends this way.
April 9th, 2010 | #
Hi Michelle,
You would actually fill this out the Spring before your first semester in college. So if you were starting school in Fall 2011, you would wait until January 2011 to fill out the FAFSA.
Thanks for the great question
April 9th, 2010 | #
do only seniors have to fill this out? Im a junior and dunno when i should send mine in..
April 9th, 2010 | #
I applied for FAFSA and now I'm waiting for it…God bless me and others !!
April 8th, 2010 | #
I wasn't eligible to receive any money after filling out my FAFSA; however, it is a huge help to many people.
April 7th, 2010 | #
it's the best way to Go!
April 6th, 2010 | #
Which fafsa wasnt soo strict on who is eligible to recieve aid. My dad pays for me and my sister who is also in college out of pocket and he gets NO HELP.
April 6th, 2010 | #
I applied 4 weeks ago but unfortunately it does not help. I am always short for assistance.
April 5th, 2010 | #
I am not sure how much money I will need for law school but I hope I have enough and to cover living expenses.
April 5th, 2010 | #
At times it's still very confusing and sometimes a hassle depending if I got all the information I need to fill it out, however, FAFSA has been a life saver.
April 2nd, 2010 | #
Still working on filling out my fasfa
April 1st, 2010 | #
FAFSA is very helpful
March 31st, 2010 | #
FAFSA could be a bit stressful. But it helps out, A LOT.
March 28th, 2010 | #
fafsa is the best thing u can do!!!
March 24th, 2010 | #
been there done that
March 24th, 2010 | #
Fafsa is a necessity, just give it a trial and zap…… It worked for me, I believe it will work for you too.
March 24th, 2010 | #
Filled out the Fafsa and I'm very thankful for the money I'm eligible to receive!
March 22nd, 2010 | #
FAFSA is truly helpful. It doesn't hurt to apply!
March 20th, 2010 | #
FAFSA was extremly helpful and I was very happy that I applied. The only thing was now I wish I wouldve signed up for so many classes.
March 19th, 2010 | #
The FAFSA site is finally getting a lot smoother to use & I did complete my app Fri! I hope I get approved to attend a fla school to further my Education This summer in 2010+
March 19th, 2010 | #
I completed the FAFSA in January. Still waiting to hear from my schools of choice, however, I don't expect to receive anything, my EFC is high.
March 17th, 2010 | #
Absolutely, the FAFSA is needed for federal aid for graduate students too.
March 16th, 2010 | #
It's very simple,and its true,the sooner you get it in and complete all the steps your school requires, the higher up on the list your name will be when it comes to handing out the award packages,first come first serve!!!
March 16th, 2010 | #
Yay! I did it already!
But I didn't know that the FAFSA
gives money to both undergraduates and graduates?!
Does that mean I can apply again?
This gives very easy steps in order to fill out the FAFSA.
Thanks!
March 16th, 2010 | #
hey is the scholarship point thingy true. seriously because they are saying log in, do some survey and you will earn points.
March 14th, 2010 | #
I didn't receive any money from FAFSA unfortunately, but I'm sure it helps many people.
March 14th, 2010 | #
This is done and submitted to my school selections.
March 13th, 2010 | #
already filed!woot!
March 12th, 2010 | #
I do it
March 9th, 2010 | #
It's very easy to do
March 9th, 2010 | #
filed FAFSA!
March 9th, 2010 | #
DONEEE
March 8th, 2010 | #
I JUST COMPLETED MY FASFA AND IM SO EXCITED TO SEE THE OUTCOME
March 8th, 2010 | #
thanks for this information
March 6th, 2010 | #
i applied for fafsa 8 weeks ago….hope i get some money for college
March 5th, 2010 | #
This is great information for those people it applies to. I believe more information as to eligibility needs to be offered to prospective students.
March 5th, 2010 | #
I applying to FAFSA for 2010-2011. I hope I get some money because its me and my twin going to college in the same year.
March 4th, 2010 | #
i am glad i am done with filling out my FASA form!
March 3rd, 2010 | #
Thank you…
March 3rd, 2010 | #
Finished filing my Fafsa 3 weeks before the deadline. Hope it will help me with my college expenses.
March 3rd, 2010 | #
FASFA is greattt. i appreciate all the money they gave me for college
March 2nd, 2010 | #
I applied for my fafsa!
March 3rd, 2010 | #
I have already filled my out and I am very happy and greatful for all the money I will reseve.
March 2nd, 2010 | #
The FAFSA process was very easy. Hopefully I will qualify for some money!
February 28th, 2010 | #
FAFSA is extremely helpful. I am glad that there are ways to get help. I would not have been able to go back to school without this help
February 27th, 2010 | #
I need go apply for FAFSA. this is extremely helpful.
February 26th, 2010 | #
i need to get to it.. this info helped me a lot..
February 24th, 2010 | #
Thanks!
February 24th, 2010 | #
FASFA has really helped me. This is very informative
February 23rd, 2010 | #
i hope to do the fafsa by friday
February 23rd, 2010 | #
i agree with this
February 23rd, 2010 | #
You definitely have the option to do that, but I would recommend applying with a co-signer because it will help out a lot on the interest rate & approval rate. Check out http://www.PrivateStudentLoans.com for some excellent info on these types of loans, and its comparison tool that shows some of the most popular private lenders.
February 22nd, 2010 | #
Good luck!
February 22nd, 2010 | #
$4,000 is well below the poverty level… so absolutely will still qualify for federal aid.
February 22nd, 2010 | #
thanks
February 19th, 2010 | #
I've done my Fafsa, I hope that I can get some money it would really help with books and supplies. I'm not too certain I will get alot b/c my parents make a lot of money but their mortgage keeps them from being able to save any of it.
February 18th, 2010 | #
I've already filed my FAFSA 09-10. It help me out with my college.
February 18th, 2010 | #
If you make over like $4000 you won't qualify.
February 17th, 2010 | #
I just finished up my FAFSA today and submitted it. I hope oi qualify for something!
February 17th, 2010 | #
I applied for financial aid tres days ago. Hope to get some money!
February 16th, 2010 | #
@ Brad – The reason for that is because you are legally a dependent of your parents until you are 24 years old. If you want to be recognized as independent before then, you would need to be legally emancipated from your family for tax purposes. However, I wouldn’t recommend this unless you have extreme circumstances, because it has lasting repercussions on things like health proxies, family visitation rights etc down the line.
February 15th, 2010 | #
thanks this was really helpful!!!
D
February 15th, 2010 | #
the efc is a joke this formulation will not help young INDEPENDENT adults like me receive aid. after a year of working and living on my own saving money for college i am told that my expected family contributuion is based of my parents income, a state away paying my own bills supporting myself with 0 family aid.but this does not determine my dependency, starting to believe the system is set up to look as if they are helping soo many, i would challenge anyone that is filling out the fafsa to answer the questions on the dependency page and tell mewhat they think.
February 15th, 2010 | #
I also filed my fafsa, and without the financial help,I wouldn’t be able to attend college.
February 15th, 2010 | #
I also filed my fafsa, it is a wonderful thing to get the financial help that you need.
February 15th, 2010 | #
@ William – I can understand your hesitation. However, if you can’t find any free aid or scholarships, the federal loans obtained from filing a FAFSA are your next best bet for financing your education. They have far lower interest rates than anything you can get in the private student loan world.
February 15th, 2010 | #
@ Sean – Not true at all. The FAFSA is equally applicable for graduate students. For every undergrad type of federal loan, there is a graduate version as well.
February 15th, 2010 | #
I just finished filling out my fafsa. I just need to remember to send it to my schools.
February 15th, 2010 | #
I am in the process of completing my FAFSA and yes, I know that fafsa is a great way for students to get money to be able to pay for college and earn a higher education.
February 15th, 2010 | #
I always do my FAFSA in Feb right after my parents do their tax return. This year I am wanting to consider private loans so that my name is the borrower , rather than my parents.
February 15th, 2010 | #
Very good information. My FASFA has been filed. Waiting on tax info now.
February 15th, 2010 | #
This is good information for everyone
February 15th, 2010 | #
This is good information
February 15th, 2010 | #
My high school has a special date to fill out fasfa. If you are a senior and fill out fasfa on campus you are eligable to receive a $1,000.00 scholarship. Only students attending the workshop are eligible.
February 14th, 2010 | #
I didn’t realize that fasfa really does help.
February 14th, 2010 | #
This helped me out. Fasfa is also very helpful. Thanks for the information.
February 14th, 2010 | #
i did!
February 14th, 2010 | #
Very Informative, I filed for FAFSA.
February 14th, 2010 | #
Thanks for the info! Guess I’ll look into it.
February 14th, 2010 | #
It has been completed.
February 14th, 2010 | #
thanks for the advice
February 14th, 2010 | #
I’ve already filed my FAFSA and am approved for a Pell Grant!
February 14th, 2010 | #
Great information and very informative – thanks for the information readily available online.
February 14th, 2010 | #
I do my fasfa in Jan. every year
February 14th, 2010 | #
Oh yeah! I got a lot from FAFSA last year! It was SUPER helpful. I’m going to apply again this year.
February 14th, 2010 | #
Thanks for the information. I’m applying to grad school and the FAFSA seems to be my best option for aid.
February 14th, 2010 | #
I will re-apply for the FAFSA as soon as I get my taxes done. Its nice to get whatever help you can these days!
February 14th, 2010 | #
I would not be in school today if it wasn’t for the FAFSA
February 14th, 2010 | #
finished it today
February 14th, 2010 | #
Fasfa is Awesome!!!
February 14th, 2010 | #
I’ve heard this information time and time again. I still haven’t received anything from anyone. This year made the third time for me to fill it out. Thanks anyway!
February 14th, 2010 | #
I recommend that everyone should try for fafsa.
February 14th, 2010 | #
I have filled out my FAFSA and it is a great source.
February 14th, 2010 | #
About to fill it out! Thanks
February 14th, 2010 | #
This is really helpful and important information.
February 14th, 2010 | #
I’ve filled out my fasfa and glad I did.
February 14th, 2010 | #
i have too wammy
February 14th, 2010 | #
It’s easy to fill out and the reward is great!
February 14th, 2010 | #
FAFSA is the surest way to get free money. And the most exciting part is that if you stay in school & continue to excel, you’ll recieve a refund check during each school semester!
February 14th, 2010 | #
Since I’m doing graduate work this doesn’t apply. This is mainly for undergrad
February 14th, 2010 | #
FAFSA is really helpful for students who can’t afford to pay for college tuition.
February 14th, 2010 | #
My mom and I filled out the FASFA for 2010-2011. I am thanful for any financial aid.
February 13th, 2010 | #
Thanks
February 13th, 2010 | #
I got my fasfs filled out in January, but i didnt realize it was scually that inportint. Good thing i did it early
February 13th, 2010 | #
This was helpful
February 13th, 2010 | #
Wow, Thanks.!
February 13th, 2010 | #
This was very useful info, thanks!
February 13th, 2010 | #
this was very helpful
February 13th, 2010 | #
fasfa is very important if you are having trouble paying for college. It helped me and my family because we were very stressed out with how much college costs. Thank you fasfa!
February 13th, 2010 | #
I filled out a fafsa and yes it was very helpful for school
February 13th, 2010 | #
i had no idea how important it was to fill out fasfa!!!
February 13th, 2010 | #
This information was so helpful. Thanks
February 13th, 2010 | #
I wish I could fill out my FAFSA, but my parents are uncooperative. It can help a student so much, and now I have to pay for school. I can now fully appreciate what FAFSA can do for a student.
February 13th, 2010 | #
I am hesitant to fill out FAFSA because I am applying for my second bachelors which makes me ineligible for any financial aid besides loans and I’m still paying off my loans from my first degree!
February 13th, 2010 | #
I didnt knew how important fasfa and how it helped me for college I highly recommend that everyone try it.
February 13th, 2010 | #
This is the way to go!
February 13th, 2010 | #
Thisis the way to go!
February 13th, 2010 | #
I am glad we have FAFSA.If we didnt have it alot of people would not go to college.
February 13th, 2010 | #
I filed my Fafsa. Thanks for the info
February 13th, 2010 | #
FAFSA is the first thing you should fill out!!
February 13th, 2010 | #
Great info! Thank you! I didn’t know you could fill out the FASFA earlier then June.
February 13th, 2010 | #
i didn’t realize how important it was to file it early
February 13th, 2010 | #
I didn’t realize filing it early was so important
February 13th, 2010 | #
Already made my updates and am excited for the new year! I had to take my first year off to move and deal with a death in the family so this year I am looking forward to a new year and hope that I can get some extra scholarships to help out. My advice-Always be the early bird-it counts!!!
February 13th, 2010 | #
FAFSA has really helped me in finding funds for my education. This article was really helpful.
February 13th, 2010 | #
I’ve seen the FAFSA form and it looks complicated. I need to have so much information at my disposal. But it’s good to know how important it is.
February 13th, 2010 | #
I’ve seen the FAFSA formand it looks so complicated. I need to have so much information at my disposal. But it’s good to know why it’s so important.
February 13th, 2010 | #
free money is always a good thing
February 12th, 2010 | #
did not know the fasfa was to let the government know that people needed money for college. thought it was manditory.
February 12th, 2010 | #
I file my FAFSA for 2010 great infor to pass on
February 12th, 2010 | #
I filled out my fafsa! My Aunt is a CPA and I always have to sit down with her and get her help.
February 12th, 2010 | #
Thanks for the great information
February 12th, 2010 | #
I finished my fasa three months ago;in addition, i receive a cal grant and got a fee waiver. Believe me when i say this it is worth you time to summit all your paper work on time.
February 12th, 2010 | #
thanks!!! Good information
February 12th, 2010 | #
Interesting
February 12th, 2010 | #
fafsa, was introduced to my highschool, and i have to say it is very useful!, we have had workshops at our school and i love how they are really hands on and very helpful
February 12th, 2010 | #
thank you for the information…you reassure me of something my friend told me..i guess I’m gonna start my fafsa!
February 12th, 2010 | #
great! Good information
February 12th, 2010 | #
Don’t wait till the last minute, as soon as you get your taxes filed and you know you will be in school, file! The sooner the better. By the time you need to register for classes, or are finishing finals around that deadline the last thing you have is the time and patience to fill out more forms.
February 12th, 2010 | #
I have already gotten fasfa for the college I am goiing to now, but the college I am going to attend in the future does not have fasfa.
February 12th, 2010 | #
Yup Fill out the FAFSA
it is very useful
February 12th, 2010 | #
Seriously, Fill it out.
February 12th, 2010 | #
i filled out the fasfa and it was very helpful!
February 12th, 2010 | #
Thanks for the info! so great!
February 12th, 2010 | #
I was unaware of specific school deadlines. First time fafsa user, so thanks for all of the good information!
February 12th, 2010 | #
I found it really easy to apply for FAFSA this year.
February 12th, 2010 | #
Neat! I am glad I read this!
February 12th, 2010 | #
I believe the sunday college day helped me and my family out so much with filling out the FAFSA
February 12th, 2010 | #
I filled out mine with the help of the Educational Opportunity Center. They made it a lot easier. Others should try them too.
February 12th, 2010 | #
I knew the fasfa was extremly important but i had no idea that you could get a scholarship from it or even grants.
February 12th, 2010 | #
I haven’t filled mine out yet but after reading this, it just got moved to the top of my to-do-list
February 12th, 2010 | #
my FASFA is done! and because i made 60% less in 2009 then in 2008, i submitted a change in financial circumstances form
February 12th, 2010 | #
I filled for FASFA and all I have to say is that going in prepared is the right way to do it. Knowing all the important fact’s,proof reading everything over and over to make sure that every little datail is precise,it could be alilttle overwhelming especially if your already alittle nervous going back to school. I admit I had a little bit of a hard time signing in to fasfa and getting approved but once they knew where I was comming from they helped me out. It is a good source and way to help you pay for college. Without FASFA we would be paying some out of pocket and that would just be harder on us huh?
February 12th, 2010 | #
yeah i fill out my fafsa. it was very hard to fill out!
February 12th, 2010 | #
VERY INTRESTING
February 12th, 2010 | #
Yea, I already knew about this which is why I filled out a Fasfa. I really need it or else I can’t go to the school I want too.
February 12th, 2010 | #
Thanks for this information!
February 12th, 2010 | #
Thanks for the info. It was very helpful.
February 12th, 2010 | #
I’ve always taken advantage of the fasfa. It has helped with tuition every semester. But thanks for the extra info.
February 12th, 2010 | #
I recommend that everyone should try for fafsa.
February 12th, 2010 | #
i didnt realize how helpful fasfa really was
February 12th, 2010 | #
Wow, this post was really informative! Thanks.
February 12th, 2010 | #
I didn’t knew how much important it was to fill out fasfa and know that i am going to finish highschool it is really important thanks for the information
February 12th, 2010 | #