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Discus Awards FAFSA Resource Center
It's that time of year again when the temperature starts to get warmer, flowers begin to bloom, and you and your parents have to sit down and fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Here at the Discus Awards, we have compiled a list of resources that will help you fill out your FAFSA worksheet quickly and painlessly.
There's no better way to learn about the FAFSA than by going straight to the source. Here are some of the most helpful pages on the official FAFSA Web site:
The FAFSA determines the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The Student Aid Report (SAR), which includes the EFC and a summary of other financial information, is sent to the student and the schools s/he lists on the FAFSA application. The schools then use that information to determine what financial aid package to award the student (if any).
Note: "FAFSA on the Web applications must be submitted by midnight Central Daylight time, June 30, 2011."
Note: "State deadlines may be earlier than the federal deadline."
Note: "Date received means received by Federal Student Aid unless otherwise indicated."
TIP: "State forms do not replace filling out the FAFSA. You must fill out the FAFSA to receive federal student aid."
1) Your Social Security Number
2) Your Driver's License
3) Your 2009 W-2 Forms and other records of money earned
4) Your (and your spouse's if you are married) 2009 Federal Income Tax Return
5) Your Parents' 2009 Federal Income Tax Return (if you are a dependent student)
6) Your 2009 untaxed income records (Veterans noneducation benefit records, Child support received, Worker's compensation)
7) Your current bank statements
8) Your current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond, and other investment records
9) Your alien registration or permanent residence card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
FAFSA - Apply for A Pin Number
Your pin number can be used to electronically apply for Federal Student Aid and access your records online
Do you know where you're applying to college? On the FAFSA you'll need to enter the school codes of all the schools you are applying for aid to. Here's a comprehensive list of school codes:
A picture is worth a thousand words, so how many words are moving pictures worth? Here are some videos that will help you fill out your FAFSA:
| Getting Ready to Fill Out the FAFSA - 2010 | FAFSA 2010 On the Web - Worksheets One & Two |
| FAFSA 2010 On the Web - Worksheet Three | FAFSA 2010 On the Web - Worksheet Four |
| FAFSA 2010 On the Web - After Submitting the FAFSA | The Five Minute FAFSA |
| Getting Your Fedeal Pin Number for the 2010 FAFSA | The Documents You Need for the 2010 FAFSA |
This is the FAFSA Resource Center, so listed below, are additional resources that will help you get through the FAFSA, and answer all your other Financial Aid questions.
List of College Scholarships - From the Discus Awards
FAFSA Questions Blog - A blog that answers all your FAFSA questions and offers advice for the entire Financial Aid process
Federal Student Aid - FAFSA - Helpful FAFSA links from the Federal Student Aid
FAFSA Online - From the Student Loan Network, Get Financial Aid Application Help
Submitting the FAFSA - From College Answer
Financial Aid Applications - From FinAid
FAFSA Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid - From the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
7 Easy Steps to Complete the FAFSA (Video) - From FinAid
How to Complete the FAFSA - From CollegeBoard
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