1. Get started on the FAFSA right away
The FAFSA form is available online every year on January 1. Go to the FAFSA online and register to fill out the form. Find out what materials and documents you will need and have them all conveniently in one place. The sooner you are able to send in the form, the better. You will want to submit the FAFSA no later than the early part of February to make sure you meet the college, state, and federal deadlines.
2. Fill out the FAFSA form correctly
Since financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, it is critical that no mistakes are made on the FAFSA form. If you leave items blank or there are errors, you will only delay your application and could limit the amount of financial aid you may receive. You can always estimate the required tax information if you have not filed your tax return.
3. Find out about the CSS form
You should always check your college's financial aid web page to see if the schools you are applying to require the CSS form. If they do, fill it out online at the College Board website. It is used by many colleges, universities, and scholarship programs to award students non-government aid. The CSS form gives a financial aid office freedom to provide more aid based on particular circumstances.
4. Thoroughly review your financial aid package
It is important to analyze your awards package to determine which schools give you more free college grants and scholarships and less college student loans. Work-study should also be considered. If you feel your awards package is not sufficient, you can make an appeal to the college you would like to attend, and see if they might be able to provide more help. You will need to support your appeal with additional tax forms, recent job loss, or hospital bills not covered by insurance to provide the necessary documentation for your appeal.
5. Appealing your financial aid package
While it is usually best to appeal your award decision immediately, some experts feel that if you wait closer to the college's deposit date, the school may be more generous in the aid you receive, especially if the freshman class is not full. One family narrowed the college choices down to two schools. They then approached the college that their son preferred and explained that he had received more help from his second choice school. The college negotiated with the family and awarded an additional $3000 for a scholarship that had not been originally offered. Persist and you might be pleasantly surprised with the aid you receive