Christmas is still 2 weeks away and already I am moving on to Valentine’s Day.  Why….because when you think of Valentine’s Day thoughts of candy, roses and hearts come to mind.  So, too, should the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filing deadline.   What is near and dear to our hearts…saving money?   And the FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for money…financial aid, grants, scholarships, work-study and loans.  So when you start seeing those Valentine hearts… think saving money…think FAFSA filing deadline.

February is the ideal month to complete the FAFSA.  But with busy schedules that may not be possible; keep in mind that the state uses the FAFSA information for state grant processing and their deadline is May 1.  If at all possible, complete the FAFSA by Valentine’s Day, definitely by May 1, 2008.

The FAFSA is the form the federal government uses to determine your eligibility for financial aid.

Complete the FAFSA on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  If you completed the FAFSA last year, you may receive a Renewal FAFSA link via email.  A Renewal FAFSA is a shorter version of the regular FAFSA form.   Fill out the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1.

Helpful Tips

The student and at least one parent should apply for a Personal Identification Number (PIN) at www.pin.ed.gov.  The PIN will serve as your electronic signature of the FAFSA, on the Master Promissory Notes for the Federal Stafford Loan and the PLUS Loan.  It can also be used whenever corrections need to be made to the FAFSA.

A useful tool is preparing to complete the FAFSA online is the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet.  The worksheet is designed for applicants who prefer to fill something out in writing before applying online.  The worksheet is available in the Financial Aid Office or online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Keep copies of your 2007 federal income form and all W2’s.

Do not mail the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet.  It is not an application.

Make sure all required signatures (student and one parent) are on the FAFSA.  Use your PIN to sign the FAFSA.

Print copies of the FAFSA before you submit it for processing.

Brandi Darr, Director, Financial Aid

724-836-7167