One important step in the college application process is financial aid. Whether you will be receiving scholarships, help from family, or paying your own way, make sure you complete the FAFSA (Federal Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA is required to be considered for federal student aid, and most colleges require it to be considered for their financial aid and scholarships as well. The 2020-2021 FAFSA is now available. (Make sure you use the studentaid.gov website. Never pay to complete this FREE application.)
You can also complete the FAFSA on your mobile device by downloading the myStudentAid Mobile App.
To Complete the FAFSA, you will need the following information:
- Your FSA ID* — In order to sign your FAFSA electronically, you’ll need a FSA ID. Find out how to get your FSA ID and what to do if you forgot your FSA ID. The parent will need a separate FSA ID from the student.
- Your social security number*
- Your tax records* — Use income records for the tax year prior to the academic year for which you are applying: so if you are filling out the 2020–21 FAFSA, you will need 2018 tax information. If you have filed your taxes already, you may be able to automatically import your tax information into the FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.
- Records of your untaxed income*
- Records of all your assets (money)*
- List of the school(s) you are interested in attending
*If you’re a dependent student, you will need this information for your parent(s) as well.
Click here to learn more about the difference between dependent and independent student status.
Will I need my parent’s information?
Find out more: http://blog.ed.gov/2019/09/7-things-need-fill-2020-21-fafsa-form/