<p>So.... How does this financial aid thing start out?
Seriously....I am in shambles....</p>
<p>Where do I go?
What do I do?
How do I know if I'm doing this thing right?
etc...</p>
<p>you get the point...</p>
<p>So umm...please guide me through this...>.<....I'm terrified that FAFSA is going to eat me if I do something wrong.</p>
<p>First of all calm down. Can your parents help you, or are you on your own? Go on the college's website and look at the requirements for financial aid. Some will require the CSS Profile, which can be found on the collegeboard website. All colleges require the FAFSA. Some colleges require their own financial aid application. Go through every college's website and get together a list of what you need to do.</p>
<p>Good web site
FinAid</a>! Financial Aid, College Scholarships and Student Loans</p>
<p>correct FAFSA site
FAFSA</a> - Free Application for Federal Student Aid</p>
<p>Apply for PINs now (1 for you, 1 for parent).
The</a> PIN Web Site - Federal Student Aid</p>
<p>Make sure you complete the correct FAFSA - 2009-2010 which will be available January 1st.</p>
<p>Read above links and come back with questions.</p>
<p>FAFSA does not bite and nor do we. Not often anyway.</p>
<p>So FAFSA needs to be only filed once correct for one college right?</p>
<p>I'm on my own</p>
<p>Yes. But you need to send it to every college.</p>
<p>Will your guidance counselor help you? And go through deadlines for financial aid applications for your colleges. Some of them may be due very soon.</p>
<br>
<blockquote> <p>So FAFSA needs to be only filed once correct for one college right?>></p> </blockquote>
<br>
<p>Well...sort of.</p>
<p>If your deadlines for filing the FAFSA are AFTER your family completes their 2008 tax return, you will do the FAFSA once the return is completed with accurate info from that tax return...and submit it to all the colleges.</p>
<p>BUT....if your deadline for submission is BEFORE your taxes are completed, you will submit the FAFSA using the "will file" status (meaning you will file your taxes but haven't done so). Then you will complete your taxes ASAP after Feb 1 and go back into the FAFSA website and amend your FAFSA to reflect the accurate info on your tax return...and change the status to "taxes completed" and resubmit.</p>
<p>Alright...</p>
<ol>
<li><p>From what I heard, I only need to file FAFSA once and I'll print out a copy to send to all my colleges correct? I can make the decision later after I have filed everything right?</p></li>
<li><p>Also I'm planning to file it early then send in my parents real tax after Feb because they told me to estimate the amount. Is it alright to just use the same numbers as last year? </p></li>
<li><p>When should I begin applying for FAFSA?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>No you don't print it out. You can complete it online (assuming you are eligible - US citizen, eligible resident, have SS number etc) and list the schools you want to send it to. When you submit it, it is sent to the schools you have listed. It is fine to send it to schools you have not decided on yet. You can also add more schools later.</p>
<p>To do it online you must get a PIN and one of your parents must get a PIN. (see link above). </p>
<p>You should estimate income as closely as possible. If the numbers will be close to last years then use last years. Asset information should be accurate as of the day you file FAFSA. You are not generally supposed to change the asset information.</p>
<p>You should apply as soon as you can after january 1st.</p>
<p>Agreed with Swimcats...do the FAFSA ONLINE. It's much easier to submit and MUCH easier to amend online than by doing a paper copy to each school. You do need a PIN for the student and a PIN for ONE parent...go to the website and make those requests today.</p>
<p>College</a> Goal Sunday :: Your source for student financial aid information and paying for college. Check this website to see if there is a College Goal Sunday in your area. It's a great way to find out all about filing the FAFSA, getting financial aid, etc. The website may offer some insight, as well.</p>
<p>And YES ... make sure you file your FAFSA online. It's easier all around.</p>