Skip to main content

14 Tips for Completing the FAFSA

Whether you’re in the middle of filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or aren’t sure where to even begin, here are some practical tips to help you complete your next steps with confidence.

  1. Getting started
    The first step is to create a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) here: studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch. The username and password you choose will allow you to log in, complete, and sign your FAFSA electronically. The student will need their own FSA ID, and one parent or guardian will need their own FAS ID. You’ll use the FSA ID every year, so keep it in a safe place where you’ll find it again easily in a year. Also, you’ll need your tax return completed to submit a FAFSA.

  2. Pick an email that will stick around
    High school emails disappear post-graduation, so students should choose a reliable email they can access year after year.

  3. Get it done in 45 days or less
    Remember that FAFSAs started but not completed by all contributors within 45 days will be deleted, and the student will need to start over on their FAFSA. But you don’t need to finish the FAFSA all in one sitting, because you can save your progress. So just put that deadline on a calendar where you can see it, and take it one step at a time. You can do it!

  4. Check those emails
    Check your inbox regularly for FAFSA reminders about corrections needed or missing items from Federal Student Aid or from your students’ individual colleges. These emails will only arrive to the student at the email address used on their FSA ID. Always double-check and correct any errors promptly. If you submit your FAFSA with an incorrect Social Security Number (SSN), connect with Federal Student Aid via phone or live chat.

  5. Your FAFSA will need two contributors
    The student is one contributor on the FAFSA, and the parent is the other contributor. A contributor provides information on the FASFA. Contributors will receive an email informing them that they have been identified as a contributor and create a StudentAid.gov account (FSA ID) if they do not already have one. Contributors log into the account using the FSA ID and review information relevant to them.

  6. Details about “assets”
    The FASFA will ask for current amounts of student and parent/guardian assets. A family’s reportable assets consider investments, savings, checking account balances, 529 plans, and more. Assets on the FASFA do not need to include equity in primary home and retirement accounts. Some additional tips about 529 plans: report parent-owned 529 plans as parent assets on the FAFSA. You only need to report 529 accounts for this student, not for their siblings. If others own the 529 plans (grandparents for instance, or an aunt or uncle), they are not considered parent assets. UGMA or UTMA savings plans are considered student assets.

  7. Student income is protected
    Don’t be concerned about student income impacting financial aid. FAFSA protects student income: if the student makes less than $8,000 a year, that income is protected and will not factor into the SAI (Student Aid Index).

  8. You can sign the FAFSA electronically. No printing or mailing required.
    Students and parents must electronically sign the FAFSA using their FSA ID and password. Make sure both signatures are in place before hitting submit.

  9. When is a student considered “independent”
    There is criteria for qualifying as an independent student. Specific situations such as age (24 or older), marriage, previous college degrees, legal guardian status, or military service can determine an independent status. Whether a student is living with their parents or whether their parents include the student on their tax return does not affect a student’s status as a dependent student for FAFSA purposes.

  10. There are FAFSA glitches still being resolved
    Some students are experiencing “glitches” that prevent them from successfully submitting their FAFSA. We expect those glitches to be resolved in March. If your student needs to do something more at that time for their FAFSA to be successfully submitted, they’ll receive emails from Calvin Financial Aid or from Federal Student Aid at the email address they used for their FSA ID.

  11. Adding colleges
    Students can list up to 20 colleges on their FAFSA. But remember, the student needs to apply for admission to each college to be considered for their financial aid package.

  12. We recommend submitting before May 1
    If your student is from Michigan, we recommend filing the FAFSA before May 1st for priority processing and maximum aid from the State of Michigan. (Submit the FAFSA so you can know your need-based aid at Calvin!)

  13. When in doubt, submit
    If you’re unsure whether to submit the FAFSA (due to thinking your income is too high), you should still file. Some states and colleges require it for various reasons. It takes only 10-15 minutes, and it’s necessary if you plan to use student loans. However, know that Calvin University does not require a FAFSA.

  14. Submit the FAFSA each year you’re a student
    Filing the FAFSA is not a one-time task; it’s an annual requirement for need-based financial aid consideration. Financial situations can change, affecting student eligibility.

Questions about your financial aid? Please connect with Calvin Financial Aid at finaid@calvin.edu.

Loading...