How to apply for financial aid for college?
I need to know how to get aid for funding my college classes. #college
4 answers
Arthur Chang
Arthur’s Answer
Hi Justin,
the first thing you should do is to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): https://fafsa.ed.gov/ ASAP if you have not already done so (unless you are not yet a high school senior, in which case you have some time). To get federal funding, you MUST fill it out. The next steps depend heavily on your college. some colleges will require you to fill out the IDOC, which is something provided by the College Board. Others will have their own forms. You should go to your college's business office or financial aid office's website to find more information about the specific requirements for your college. If it's not listed on their website, you can always email or call them. Good luck!
Thank you for the advice.
Justin
Ken’s Answer
Hi Justin!
Here is a very important site for you:
http://www.fastweb.com/
Thank you for the advice.
Justin
Best of luck! Keep me posted. I would like to follow your progress.
Ken Simmons
Rachel Resnick
Rachel’s Answer
This is an easy one, the first time you do it, it can seem overwhelming but you'll be a pro by senior year! go to fafsa.ed.gov and fill out the application online with a parent or guardian.
Sheila’s Answer
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) appears to be quite easier to complete over the past few years from the time I went through this with my young adults. Other CV Professionals have provided great comments on how to accomplish this. I'd like to add a few more details on completing the FAFSA. Make sure to get required documents/information in advance and have your parent and/or a guardian assisting you. Prepare in advance before starting the form (ie, social security numbers, parents income, etc). This will help move the process along.
FILLING OUT THE FAFSA
• Create a FSA ID
• Gather Required Documentation
• Getting Help
• Start the Form and Provide Basic Information
• Listing Colleges / Career Schools
• Determining Your Dependency Status
• Reporting Parent's Income
• Providing Financial Information
• Signing and Submitting the FAFSA Form
• Taking Next Steps
TIP: I suggest that you keep your information (ie, login, password, etc.) on a reliable note app, notebook or pad, etc. I personally used a composition pad so every time we talked to FAFSA "live on the phone" I would jot down notes (ie, date/time , person's name, etc). If FAFSA refer you elsewhere, write down websites, phone numbers, etc. Keep your pen and pad (or cell phone) handy at all times when contacting FAFSA. I found this approach to be extremely helpful in maintaining accurate records.
College Board's Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC) collects documents from applicants on your behalf. Their unique service provides the images of the documents on secure website and transmits the key-entered data from the tax returns directly to you for fast and effective data validation.
I wish you much success on your journey. Best of luck to you!
Sheila recommends the following next steps: