Student Loan Tips: Filling Out The Fafsa

In today's financal world, more and more students are returning to school as they postpone finding a job. However, paying for an education can be difficult and most students rely on a combination of private and federal student loans. The application process begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA form. Considering how important this form is to obtaining your education, here are a few tips on filling it out.
Think through your application for Your Student LoansBefore filling out your FAFSA, make sure you understand what you are applying for. Do your research and make sure you know the application processes of the various Federal loans. Once you feel you are ready, gather all the documents you'll need to complete the FAFSA. Doing this beforehand will save you time and prevent you from making mistakes on your form. Make sure you have your Social Security Number, driver's license, income tax returns, bank statements, and investment records. Also, know if you want to fill out your FAFSA online or on paper. Most colleges rather you use the online form as it quicker to process and saves trees.
Fill Out a Student Aid Worksheet
If you plan on doing your federal student aid application online, it may help to fill out a FAFSA worksheet first. This worksheet can be obtained at no cost from the federal government's website for FAFSA. It will allow you to see all the student loan questions that will be asked before starting to fill out the actual student loan application. Filling out the worksheet first will allow you to be clear about your loan application answers, and get your parent's information together if necessary.
Signing Your FAFSA
The FAFSA application will require your signature and sometimes your parents' signature. If you print out and mail in your student aid application, signing off is as simple as owning a pen. However, if you opt for the online application you'll want to apply for a PIN so you can sign your student loan application electronically. You can apply for a PIN while filling out a FAFSA on the Web application or by going to the government's website (http://www.pin.ed.gov).
Make sure your FAFSA is completed on time
The official deadline for the FAFSA form is usually June 30. However, many states have their own deadlines - some of which are as early as March or April. Also, schools have their own deadlines. Schools also are given only so much Federal money to disburse, so its best to fill out the FAFSA as early as possible. Most student loan experts suggest filling out the FAFSA in January if possible. Since the FAFSA requires income tax information, getting your student loan application done may require you to complete your taxes early.
Follow up on your Forms
A good thing about filling out the FAFSA form online is that you can also check its status online. Experts suggest checking the status of your student loan application after one week of its submission if done online, and within two or three weeks if a paper application was submitted. Your FAFSA will be processed to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and it will be sent to ten of your chosen schools. Your schools will determine your eligibility and prepare a financial aid award package. If you are offered student loans you will receive a Financial Aid Award Notice.By: Jim LandisArticle Directory: http://www.articledashboard.comWas this article helpful? Visit The Student Loans site to continue learning ways to secure your student loans.