Once again, it's time to file FAFSA. Here are 6 Things to Know About Filing FAFSA - The Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Correctly and efficiently submitting FAFSA can gain you thousand of dollars more in financial aid for college. How are you going to pay for college?

1. 6Things to Know
About Filing FAFSA
(Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
SIX

2. ONE AchievabilityU.com
Gather needed
materials
The FAFSA form will require information from your
federal tax return, untaxed income statements (1099,
child support, veteran's benefits, etc.), mortgage
information, asset information (other property, etc.),
bank statements, investments statements, social
security numbers for student and parent, and the
student's driver's license number.

3. TWO AchievabilityU.com
Get a PIN for student
and one parent
If you plan to file the FAFSA online, you'll need a
Personal Identification Number (PIN), which is used to
electronically "sign" your completed form. The FAFSA
requires signature of the student and one parent for
successful submission.

4. THREE AchievabilityU.com
Complete every
question on the form
It's vitally important for you to answer every question on
the FAFSA, including the questions that may not even
apply to you. In this case, enter a zero or N/A.
Any questions left blank will confuse the processor,
which may cause delay in your application. Since
federal aid is awarded on a first come, first served basis,
you want to avoid any delays.

5. FOUR AchievabilityU.com
Take control of
your EFC
The FAFSA will calculate your Estimated Family
Contribution (EFC) toward your child's college costs. It's
important that you understand how this number is
calculated and to manage your finances to reflect the
most advantageous EFC. The form will consider some of
your assets when calculating your EFC, but not others.
Knowledge is power and could gain you thousands
more dollars in federal aid for college.

6. FIVE AchievabilityU.com
Keep copies of
all forms filed
Whether filing online or by mail, it's smart to keep
copies of all of the pages of the FAFSA that was filed.
The online application will provide you with
opportunity to make copies of the form before
submission. If you mail your FAFSA, get delivery
confirmation from your mailing service. Although rare,
there have been cases of lost FAFSA information.

7. SIX AchievabilityU.com
Submit FAFSA
as soon as possible
Each year, the new FAFSA application is released the
first of January. Since federal aid for college is limited
(yes, it will eventually run out) and is awarded on a first
come, first served basis, it's smart to submit the FAFSA
as early as possible. You don't have to wait until your
federal tax return is complete to file FAFSA, as you can
estimate your financial information and update later.
Make a goal to submit FAFSA early!

8. Still unsure about FAFSA?
Need to reduce your EFC?
"I've helped so many families with FAFSA, helping
reduce the EFC and complete some of the more
confusing questions. Correctly and efficiently
completing FAFSA can gain you thousands of
dollars more in financial aid for college.
Let's have a conversation!"
Marty@AchievabilityU.com