FAFSA Hints
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This page includes some FAFSA Hints to help you avoid the most common problems that will delay the Financial Aid process. Remember that you need to complete the FAFSA once a year as soon as you complete your tax return.
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Needed for the FAFSA:
If applying on line, you (and your parent if dependent) will need a personal indentification numer (PIN).
If you and your parent do not have a PIN, log on to www.pin.ed.gov
Untaxed income information
Driver's license
Asset Information
Social Security Numbers
Alien Registration number if you are not a U.S. citizen
Federal Tax returns - IRS 1040 and w2's (if you are dependent you will also need your parent's tax forms)
School codes USD 003474 SDSU 003471 DSU 006463 NSU: 006466 BHSU: 003459
- Use your full name as it appears on your Social Security card on all applications, not a nickname.
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Keep all copies of all the forms that you use to apply for Financial Aid. Also keep copies of any forms or letters you receive or send that relates to your financial aid application.
- Once your FAFSA is submitted you will receive a list of the information that you submitted and this form is called a Student Aid Report (SAR). Any errors can be corrected at the FAFSA website, Step Three, Corrections to a Processed FAFSA.
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If you included your e-mail address on your FASFA, you will receive an e-mail when your SAR is ready to be viewed at http://fafsa.ed.gov If not, a paper application will arrive by mail.
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Answer all questions as instructed.
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Do not leave question 31 blank! Enter "no" if you have never been convicted of an illegal drug offense
- File FAFSA by priority dates. USD: 3-15 SDSU: 3-11 DSU: 3-1 NSU: 3-1 BHSU 3-1
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If filing electronically, print a copy of the FAFSA for your records before submitting
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On worksheets A, B and C be sure to include annual amounts and not monthly amounts
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Most common cause for delay is caused by errors is missing signatures. The FAFSA must be signed by the student and a parent (if the student is determined to be dependent for financial aid purposes). Apply for a PIN to use as your electronic signature before beginning the FASFA at www.pin.ed.gov.
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Do not include decimals in the income information that you provide.
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Read the instructions carefully to report the correct family size.
- Questions on the FAFSA or the Financial AId process? Please contact Vikki at University Center at 605-782-3233
