GETTING IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME

A. APPLY EARLY. Completing your financial aid forms correctly and getting them in early directly affects the amount and types of financial assistance you receive.

B. DO NOT ESTIMATE. Take your financial information DIRECTLY FROM YOUR TAX FORMS. If you estimate amounts on the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the corrections you will be required to make later will seriously delay evaluation of your financial aid application.

C. MAKE PHOTOCOPIES of your completed application forms for your records. Also, make copies of your income tax forms before you send them to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Otherwise, if asked to supply copies of these forms for verification (see "Verification")*, you will need to get copies from the IRS - a process which takes about six (6) weeks.

D. KEEP GOOD RECORDS. Make a file to keep the copies of your financial aid forms and correspondence, and log the dates you mail forms and other documentation.

E. READ INSTRUCTIONS. Incorrectly completing your FAFSA can delay your financial aid and cause you to be selected for verification*. Read the instructions carefully.

F. RESPOND QUICKLY. If you are selected for verification*, respond quickly to requests from our office.

G. ASK QUESTIONS. If you have questions about any part of the application process, please call us. We’ll be glad to help you.

*VERIFICATION is the required federal process of checking the accuracy of information students supply on their financial aid applications. Students who apply for financial aid should understand that there is a chance their application will be selected for verification. Selection is based on federal Department of Education guidelines. If you are selected, you will be notified. You will be required to complete a verification form and submit documentation, such as signed photocopies of your income tax returns and verification of household size and of Social Security, AFDC, and VA benefits received. Students selected for verification are not eligible to receive financial aid funds until they have submitted all required verification information. Verification can take from two (2) to six (6) weeks, depending on how quickly you respond to the request.