How to Complete a FAFSA Online

It is natural for a senior in high school to be stressed about their future. You need to make some crucial decisions on your future, such as which college you want to attend, but you must also worry about the financial burden it will put on yourself and your parents. There is some relief however. The U.S. government offers a program called FAFSA, which offers students financial aid based on their needs. This is a guideline on how to complete your FAFSA online.

Why Should I Fill Out the FAFSA? Whether you are planning on receiving federal aid or a scholarship, you will need to fill out a FAFSA form. Colleges will require you to complete a FAFSA form in order to receive private scholarships or any other form of aid.

When Should I Fill Out The FAFSA? You should fill one out before you enter college as an incoming freshman, then fill one out every year you are attending college. If you missed out on it as a freshman, it's never too late to take advantage of financial aid. You will have to fill out the FAFSA form every year, so make sure you get it done!

Who Needs to Fill Out the FAFSA? It really doesn't matter whether the student or the parent fills out the FAFSA form as long as the information provided is correct.

Everyone Should File a FAFSA. Everyone should fill out a FAFSA form, regardless of their financial situation. Even if you think you won't be eligible for financial aid, it never hurts to try. I've known a few people who have received financial aid even though they were well off! It's your tax payer money that going into funding this program, so you should at least give it a shot!

You Need to Visit the Website Online. Go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ and click on 'Filling Out a FAFSA'. You will need to provide some information in order to complete this form.

What Do I Need? You are going to need some information before you can start the FAFSA. You will need to know some financial information about yourself (that's only if you work) and information about your parent's financial situation. This can be done by referring to their 1040 tax form. You will also be asked for a PIN code.

What is a PIN Code? A PIN code is a number designated to you by the government. It is typically 4 numbers and you can apply for one before you start your FAFSA form. You will need one for the student and the parent. I recommend that you apply for the PIN code a few days before you decide to complete the FAFSA form since it takes a day or two to receive it via E-Mail. Make sure you remember your PIN code since you can only view the number on the E-Mail once. I recommend that you write the code down somewhere since you will need to use it every year.

How Long Does It Take To Fill Out the FAFSA Form? I have completed the form 3 times, and it never has taken me over an hour to complete. As long as you have the 1040 next to you to refer to, it should be done quickly. With that being said, there is no need to rush through it. Just make sure you provide the most accurate numbers since you wouldn't want to jeopardize the opportunity to receive some aid because of some mistakes.

I've Just Completed the FAFSA Form. Now What? Assuming that you provided the form with the correct school codes, they will receive the information instantly. They will have and electronic copy of your FAFSA information within minutes, so you just have to wait for the government to mail you the results. It should take about a month or so for you to receive it in the mail.

What Will I Receive? You will receive information on which forms of financial aid you are eligible for. You may receive grants, subsidized and unsubsidized loans, and work study programs. You may want to consider one of these as you try to finance your education.

With the help of FAFSA, your transition from high school to college can be an easier one. Just make sure to take advantage of the program every year!

Source(s):

FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid. 07 Feb. 2009 .