This sounds so dumb but I am very overwhelmed. What do I need to file for aid packages? I have no clue where to start and my parents are no help. Where do I start? Is anything due soon?
For all schools, you will need to file the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1 (www.fafsa.ed.gov). You will need tax return info for both you & your parents … the sooner you do 2015 taxes, the better, since some aid is “first come, first served.” You/your parents can estimate using the last pay stub of the year, if necessary. You may need to answer asset questions for you/your parents (some answers to income info will allow you to skip asset questions - there is a skip logic built into the FAFSA). The FAFSA is pretty straight-forward.
Each school may have its own requirements … check the financial aid website for each school you are interested in & make sure you submit all necessary documents & meet all deadlines. Some schools require the Profile and/or their own forms in addition to the FAFSA, so make sure you read the financial aid checklist carefully for each school.
Visit your school’s financial aid web pages