Tips for Filling Out the FAFSA

The thought of filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) can be overwhelming. There are lots of questions to answer and a future at stake.

To help you out, here are a few specific tips for filling out the FAFSA:

• Make sure you are filling out the appropriate form for the school year in which you need aid.
• If you will be filling out a paper copy of the FAFSA, make a photocopy before you start. This way you can make mistakes on a practice form rather than the real thing.
• Read all of the instructions before you begin filling out the FAFSA. Follow them to the letter—i.e. if it tells you to use black ink, then use black ink.
• Do not write in the margins.
• Always use whole dollar amounts when answering questions and filling out the FAFSA. For example, $1749.86 should be rounded up to $1750.
• Don't skip questions. Take time to get the answer to one question before moving onto another.
• Again, follow instructions. This is the most important rule when filling out the FAFSA. If you do something wrong, your application will be sent back to you and there may not be enough time to make corrections.