by Shamara Ware
(Houston, Tx, USA)
February is almost rearing its’ head, so we all know what time it is, FAFSA time! This year I know I’ll be prepared, will you? As a word of advice that I've been taught from several members in my family, make sure you keep all of your ducks in a row. So, you’re looking for a few hints, pointers, answers to your questions about the “ugly” of filling out a FAFSA application?
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by Brittany Franklin
(Staten Island, New York)
Most people say that when they grow up they want to become a doctor or lawyer, while others just want to be successful in life. But, what most people don't know is that in order to achieve their goals, they have to attend college for an extensive amount of time, which can be very pricey. This might be fairly easy for a rare amount of people, but for most people, this will be financially challenging. A person's eligibility for financial aid can make a big difference on whether or not achieving their goals will lead them to financially difficult times. Most people would enjoy saving some cash, and would love to receive money from the government that they DO NOT have to pay back. Unless you are receiving a loan, of course.
Don't get me wrong, just because a person applies for financial aid, doesn't mean that the person will be eligible to receive funds from the government. There are multiple "FAFSA savvy" hints that can help make sure you receive some sort of money from the government to help pay off college expenses, whether it's $100 or $1,000. Money is money, and when you are receiving free money, you should be jumping for joy!
When it was time for me to sit down and fill out my financial aid application , I made sure I was prepared and ready to "go to war." I had my parent's taxes from the year before, and of course my parent. This leads to "FAFSA savvy" hint number one. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A PARENT AT HAND. This is a very important hint because your parent will be able to help you with most questions you have pertaining FAFSA. Also they will be there to supervise and make sure you are filling out your FAFSA application correctly.
When using your parent's taxes from the year before, you MUST go back to your application when your parent has updated them. This is "FAFSA savvy" hint number two. In order for you to receive financial aid from the government, your taxes must be up to date.
"FAFSA savvy" hint number three. While filing for FAFSA, make sure you are filing under your parent who receives the least amount of wages. This is not cheating at all if your parents are together. If your parent's are separated, file your financial aid under the parent you have lived with for the majority of time. If either one of your parents pay child support, make sure that you fill in the correct amount of money in the box entitled for child support.
Last but not least, "FAFSA savvy" hint number four. Make sure you check your zeros! You do not want to alter your chances of receiving FREE MONEY from the government just because you made a minor mistake on your application. Even though the mistake is minor, it can conclude in a major reason why you may not be eligible for financial aid.
While you are applying for financial aid, take your time! There is no rush, but there is a deadline . If you make a mistake, don't worry. You can always go back and fix it. Check over your application multiple times and brace yourself for your results.
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by Melissa
(Minnesota)
Gathering the funds for college can be a stressful time. Students will find that there are many ways to apply for financial aid, but filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) seems to be the most common.
During my senior year of high school I filled out the FAFSA for the first time. I thought it would be really confusing, but it actually was simple. I filled it out online and the website gave me hints along the way, which made it easier for me to understand. The form asks about how much money my parents and I made in the last year, what school I would be attending, what my parents' income tax figures were, among other things.
At first I was really stressed about it because I had no idea how much money my parents made. However, once I asked my father to help me fill out my FAFSA it went much smoother and seemed so simple. Although I myself did not receive any financial aid from the FAFSA, completing the application has left me with hints and advice for other students.
I have many hints for students when it comes to the FAFSA. For one, do not assume you will not get financial aid. Fill out the FAFSA! Also, do not wait to fill out the FAFSA until your parents' taxes are done. I would recommend filling it out as soon as you have the chance because the colleges you apply to will be able to access your financial aid information sooner. When the money that FAFSA awards runs out, then the money is gone and you will not be able to get any financial aid. My next hint is to check your state's deadline for filling out the FAFSA application . The deadline varies from state to state. Don't leave anything blank either, unless you absolutely must. Every answer you put down gives you more of a chance to receive financial aid. And lastly, make sure you enter the colleges you hope to attend because each will give you an amount for how much financial aid you could receive.
I cannot stress how important it is to fill out the FAFSA. Fill it out as soon as you can and insert all of the accurate information. It is easy and can be so beneficial! Thank you for your consideration.
Read more FAFSA Hints and Financial Aid Advice from other students and parents who have been through the FAFSA process.
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