FAFSA
If you’re a senior in high school then you know that there are a lot of decisions to be made concerning your future. You’re probably trying to keep a high grade point average in order to get into college, because everyone knows that having a college degree translates into a better paying career down the line for you. If you’re also taking Advanced Placement Classes, then you already know a little bit about how a college class is going to feel. Advanced Placement classes are more difficult than your average high school class. You may be shopping around for a college and if so you should know that you’re going to need to fill out a lot of forms for admission. On top of all the admission forms, there are several other items that you will want to fill out.
FAFSA is the Free Application for Free Student Aid. This is federal program, and before you can even begin to fill out this FAFSA, you must first secure a pin number from the following website. http://www.pin.ed.gov/PINWebApp/pinindex.jsp In order to get your PIN number, you will need to answer some questions and give your social security number. If you supply an email address, you will receive an email with a link telling you where to find your PIN number. This does not happen right away. A federal PIN number takes three to four days to be completed. Your mother or father can also fill out a PIN application because they will need to sign your completed FAFAS form once it’s completed. You will be able to sign your FAFSA form with your PIN numbers, unless you want to wait for a paper form to be mailed to you via snail mail. It’s far faster to sign electronically with your PIN number.
Once you have your PIN number, you can go to the FAFSA at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/before004.htm and fill out your application for student aid. Keep your PIN number in a safe place and do not share it with anyone, even if a person or organization is helping you fill out your application. This is an important number, one you will be using every year in order to access your records and sign a FAFSA each year you apply for federal student aid.
Before you even begin to fill out the FAFSA, you will need to have some information handy. You’ll need your social security number as well as your parent’s tax information for the preceding year.
There is a worksheet you can use before you actually fill out the FAFSA. I recommend using the worksheet because it will save you time in the long run.
After you’ve filled out your FAFSA, it will be three to four business days before your form is ready and you will be notified via email once it’s finished.
In order to receive any kind of federal student aid you must fill out the FAFSA. Each year you apply for student aid you will use this PIN number. Keep it as secure as you would your social security number.
