<p>ORWsons</p>
<p>If you make under $50K and are eligible for reduced lunch/WIC and filled out the IRS 1040A.....I think you qualify for the Simplified Needs Test. Do the research (<a href="http://www.finaid.com%5B/url%5D">www.finaid.com</a> is a good site) and make sure you know what you need to know before filling out the FAFSA next year.</p>
<p>If your son is a junior, then this is his "base year" (Jan 1 junior year to Dec 31 senior year). Just make sure you understand the rules and you don't do anything goofy (meaning: some seemingly innocent financial decisions can impact your EFC).</p>
<p>You can also pick up a 2007-2008 FAFSA on the Web worksheet at the library. This way you can get an idea what the questions are and it makes filling out the real thing a lot less confusing.</p>
<p>I was going to take a Financial Aid class through UCLA extension (decided not to) but the required text was Collegeboard Meeting College Costs. I haven't read the book yet, but it looks helpful.</p>