Financial Aid 101: FAFSA basics

On January 1st, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid opened up to add students who need to fill it out. First of all, you will need a PIN for both yourself and your parent(s). Sometimes these take a while to get, so make sure you request one a couple weeks before your actually plan on filling out your FAFSA.

Even if you don’t think you’ll be getting any money from the FAFSA, you will have to fill out an application to qualify for other financial aid and scholarships from the school.

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Here is a little checklist of the documents you will need on-hand when you start the application!

-Your income taxes from the prior year.

-Your parents’ Income Taxes from the prior year. 

-Social security card.

-Driver’s license. This is only if you have one.

-Your W-2 forms, untaxed income records, and current bank statements.

-Your current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond and other investment records.

-Your alien registration or permanent resident card. This is only if you are not a U.S. citizen.

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There is a paper application available on the FAFSA website that can help you practice the application. This can be helpful so you already know what numbers go where. It’ll be easier to fill out the electronic application, and it will also allow you to see if you have any questions.

At first, the application process can seem overwhelming. Just remember to stay in contact with your high school counselor, as well as the admissions counselor and financial aid office at the university you are looking to attend.

The number to the Financial Aid Office at Northwood is 972-293-5430. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm. Also, the official website for the FAFSA is http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/index.htm. 

If you have any questions, remember to call the FA Office! They will work their hardest to get you an answer!

Erica :)

By the way, be careful with the website! Always make sure you are on the correct site. The application requires information such as your full name and social security number, so you should be absolutely positive you are entering that information through a secure network on the official site.