How to Fill Out a Financial Aid Application Before June 30

Financial aid forms frequently stand between a would-be student and a college education. Although a financial aid application form is supposed to be easy to complete, there are some pitfalls along the way. So how do you apply for financial assistance the easy way?

Print Your Financial Aid Forms

Even though individual college financial aid forms might differ in look -- depending on the school that prints them -- the heart of the application is the FAFSA from the U.S. Department of Education. This term is actual an acronym for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. If you are not already working with a college, you can find free printable forms from the federal government's website.

Mind the Deadlines!

The federal deadline for filing the FAFSA is June 30. If you make a mistake, you have until September 15 to correct your forms.

Students must keep in mind that this document also opens the door to statewide and even institution-based grants, scholarships and loans. Submit properly completed financial aid forms as early as possible to maximize your odds of getting in on these funds.

The cut-off dates for state-issued monies vary. For example, California wants the completed forms by March 2, while students in Ohio have until October 1. Keep in mind that these target dates apply to the 2011 to 2012 school year. It is possible for subsequent academic years to have different due dates for financial aid forms.

Financial Aid Application Documentation

Are you a dependent student? When filling out financial aid forms for college, Uncle Sam wants to know about your dependency status. This determination decides whether or not you also need to supply the financial data from your parents, of if you only need to submit proof of your own financial situation.

You do NOT need Parent Info for the 2011 to 2012 School Year, if --

Does your birthday fall before January 1, 1988? If so, you might just be an independent student. This is also true if you are married, pursue a master's degree or doctorate, are on active military duty, are a veteran, are emancipated or have lived in foster care since you turned 13. There is a curious exception to the rules for health profession students, who must supply their parents' information even if they are not dependent.

Getting Help

Completing financial aid forms for college or university is as simple as logging on to the Internet. Choose to go this route if you are keeping your school options open. The FAFSA lets you put in up to 10 schools you are considering. In this instance the online help menu offers your first option for assistance.

If you are working with a college, visit the financial aid office. The bursar or financial aid director is a valuable resource who not only knows the ever-changing rules of the financial aid application, but also understands the ins and outs of dependent versus independent filings. Financial aid workers also look over a FAFSA for completion to minimize the need for filing corrections.

Source

U.S. Department of Education: "FAFSA"