FAFSA 101: $10,000+ in 30 minutes or less!

What is the FAFSA?: Free Application for Federal Student Aid - You answer questions about your finances the government gives you money to go to college! How do I fill out the FAFSA? - Apply online @ http://www.fafsa.gov - NOT FAFSA.COM! - Apply no later than MARCH 1ST What kinds of questions do they ask? - How much money does your family make? - How much can your family contribute to your college education? How do I answer all of those questions? - You need the following documents: social security card, 1040 tax returns, W-2 forms, pay stubs, etc. - Your information AND, most importantly, your parents information How does the FAFSA define parents? - biological or legal adopted mother or father (you may list only one if they are divorced/unmarried) - cannot list information of your grandparents, aunts/uncles, friends, etc. even if you live with them and they take care of you. What does it mean to file as an independent? - Government only looks at YOUR finances, not your parents. - You are eligible if: your parents are deceased, you have a child, you are homeless (lack of permanent residence/couch-hopping), other special circumstances. What if I cant get my parents information? - Come talk to Ms. Smith! Well figure it out!

So I filled it out.now what? - Within a few weeks, youll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that shows you what kind of financial aid youre eligible for. - Types of aid: o Grants: Pell Grant, Academic Competitiveness Grant free money! (Great!) o Subsidized Loans: Loans that dont start collecting interest until 6 months after you graduate. (Slightly less great.) o Unsubsidized loans: Loans that start collecting interest right away (Ummnot really that great) Aarrrrg! I dont get it! I need help! - Come talk to Ms. Smith. Seriously, I mean it. Its my job! - Email address: smithalicia@missouri.edu - Office #: 314-653-8142 (leave a message! I promise Ill call you back!)