Financial AidStep-By-Step

Apply for FAFSA Pin NOW!

Find a link on Guidance web page

The student (that’s you)and at least one parent must have a PIN. If a parent

already has a FAFSA PIN they do not need another

one! Don’t Lose it!!!

Find College’s Financial Aid Priority Deadlines

Examples:SUNY Canton – March 15

LeMoyne College - February 1

Find this information on the college web page!

Complete FAFSA Starting January 1st

If your parents don’t have their taxes done

estimate!

Find a FAFSA

On-Line at www.fafsa.ed.gov

or on the guidance web page link!

DO NOT USE www.fafsa.com!!!!!!

Complete TAP Application if you will be attending a

NY State college!

do it from the FAFSA link at the end of the FAFSA application

process. If you don’t you will have to wait for about 3 days for information to be available.

Check E-mail or other Communications

Be sure you read your mail and check your email for

correspondence. Return necessary forms.

Review Your SAR (Student Aid Report) –

Make Corrections

Be sure you and your parents check this closely. Any

mistake can really change your financial award. Also make

changes for estimated income.

Send ALL Supporting Documentation

Be sure you send the right information. You are asking for financial help….. You may have to prove you deserve it!

Receive Financial Aid Package from the College

TuitionRoom and Board

BooksFees

TravelPersonal expensesHealth Insurance

Compare packages from different colleges

Accept All or Part ofFinancial Aid Package

(Compare it to the cost of attendance)

Review your package and respond. You may not want to except everything that is on it.

Don’t assume more debt then you need. You will have to pay it back.

Items in the Financial Aid Package:

Grants/Scholarships – Money you don’t have to pay backSubsidized Loans–Government pays interest while is collegeUnsubsidized Loans- Interest is added on to what you owePLUS Loans – Parent LoansWork Study – Work program used for spending money

College is a huge investment in your future.

Don’t Borrow more then you need!

Student Loans

All federal student loans are done through the

college financial aid office.

Be sure to do your promissory note!

Apply for All Scholarships you Qualify For.

Look for these on the guidance web page, the guidance office,

student/parent employer or other organizations, college

financial aid office or do an on-line search

√ Check it out!___Apply for a FAFSA PIN___A Parent needs to apply for a PIN unless they already have one.___Find priority Deadlines___Complete the FAFSA after January 1st ___Complete the TAP application if you plan to attend a NYS college___Read All correspondence from the college___Send All required supporting documents___Review your Student Aid Report (SAR); Make corrections if needed___Review College Financial Aid Packages___Decide which college you will attend___Decide what part of your financial aid package you will accept___Do promissory notes if you will be taking a student or parent loan.