Completing the FAFSA

By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you are applying for all federal aid.

The following is a Checklist of items needed to complete the FAFSA:

GATHER INFO FOR YOU AND YOUR PARENTS (if dependent student)

• Copy of your and your parents’ federal tax return (2007 return for the Fall 2008 school term)
• Your driver’s license and Social Security numbers
• Your W-2 Forms and other records of money earned
• Records of untaxed income such as welfare, Social Security, Veterans benefits or military or clergy allowances
• Current bank statements
• Current business information
• Business and farm records
• Stock, bond, and other investment records
• Your alien registration card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)

When completing the FAFSA online, remember to:

• Acquire a U. S. Department of Education PIN by going to www.pin.ed.gov - your PIN serves as your identifier to let you access your personal information in various U. S. Department of Education systems. Your parent will need a PIN also to electronically file the FAFSA.* 
• To electronically sign your FAFSA, you must have a PIN; if you do not have or forgot you PIN, go to www.pin.ed.gov
• If you choose not to sign the FAFSA electronically, you may print, sign, and mail a signature page to the address provided. However, be aware that this can delay processing of your FAFSA.
• Click on the “Submit My FAFSA” button to electronically send your application
• Print your confirmation page with the confirmation number on top for your records
• If you do not receive a SAR (Student Aid Report) in approximately two weeks after submitting the application, call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or check online at www.fafsa.ed.gov

 Note:  A student PIN and parent PIN is required to electronically file the FAFSA.  You can secure a PIN at any time. The PIN request requires your name, Social Security number, date of birth and address. It will take approximately three business days after you request your PIN for you to receive an e-mail notification with instructions on how to retrieve it electronically, or 7-10 days to receive it in the mail via the U. S. Postal service. Be sure to secure your PIN(s) in advance of completing the FAFSA.

If you have any questions, or need assistance in filing your FAFSA, contact College Planning at ESF at 800.986.4322 or collegeplanning@esfweb.com.