1. Financial Aid for 2016-2017 Step-By-Step
Financial Aid for Step-By-Step

2. Apply for FSA ID NOW! Find a link on Guidance web page The student (that’s you)and at least one parent must have an FSA ID. If a parent already has a FAFSA PIN they will need to link the new ID with their old Pin! Don’t Lose it!!!

3. What is a FSA ID? It’s a Username and Password Combination that will be used to sign legal documents such at your FAFSA form, loan papers and other legal documents.

4. Find College’s Financial Aid Priority Deadlines Examples:
Find College’s Financial Aid Priority Deadlines Examples: SUNY Canton – March 15 LeMoyne College - February 1 Find this information on the college web page!

5. Complete FAFSA Starting January 1st If your parents don’t have their taxes done estimate!

6. Find a FAFSA On-Line at www. fafsa
Find a FAFSA On-Line at or on the guidance web page link! DO NOT USE

7. Complete TAP Application if you will be attending a NY State college
Complete TAP Application if you will be attending a NY State college. List the NY College first on the FAFSA application! do it from the FAFSA link at the end of the FAFSA application process. If you don’t you will have to wait for about 3 days for information to be available.

9. Check or other Communications Be sure you read your mail and check your for correspondence. Return necessary forms. If you use your E-K be sure to change is before you graduate because you will loose access to it. You cannot use your parent’s because your parent will need to use his/her to create his/her FSA ID.

10. Review Your SAR (Student Aid Report) – Make Corrections Be sure you and your parents check this closely. Any mistake can really change your financial award. Also make changes for estimated income.

11. Find out if your college requires additional Financial Aid forms
Find out if your college requires additional Financial Aid forms. There may also be a scholarship application you need to do to be considered for scholarships the college will offer.

12. Send ALL Supporting Documentation Be sure you send the right information. You are asking for financial help….. You may have to prove you deserve it!

13. Receive Financial Aid Package from the College
Cost of Attendance Tuition Room and Board Books Fees Travel Personal expenses Health Insurance Financial Aid Grants Scholarships Loans Work Study
Compare packages from different colleges

14. Items in the Financial Aid Package:
Grants/Scholarships – Money you don’t have to pay back Subsidized Loans–Government pays interest while is college Unsubsidized Loans- Interest is added on to what you owe PLUS Loans – Parent Loans Work Study – Work program used for spending money
College is a huge investment in your future. Don’t Borrow more then you need!

15. Student Loans All federal student loans are done through the college financial aid office. Be sure to do your promissory note!

16. Accept All or Part of Financial Aid Package (Compare it to the cost of attendance) Review your package and respond. You may not want to except everything that is on it. Don’t assume more debt then you need. You will have to pay it back.

17. Apply for All Scholarships you Qualify For
Apply for All Scholarships you Qualify For. Look for these on the guidance web page, the guidance office, student/parent employer or other organizations, college financial aid office or do an on-line search

18. √ Check it out! ___Apply for a FSA ID-Student ___A Parent also needs to apply for a FSA unless they already have one. ___Find priority Deadlines ___Complete the FAFSA after January 1st ___Complete the TAP application if you plan to attend a NYS college ___Read All correspondence from the college ___Send All required supporting documents ___Review your Student Aid Report (SAR); Make corrections if needed ___Review College Financial Aid Packages ___Decide which college you will attend ___Decide what part of your financial aid package you will accept ___Do promissory notes if you will be taking a student or parent loan.

19. FAFSA HELP!!! College financial aid administrators will provide free
assistance to help complete your online FAFSA.
This is the first step to apply for financial aid for college.
Saturday, February 20th at SUNY Potsdam and Jefferson CC
More information will be available at a later date at this website:
Saturday, January 30th from 9am – 2pm at Clarkson University
Register at:
Wednesday, February 10th from 6pm – 8pm at Edwards –Knox Library
Register by ing:

20. What information you need to complete the FAFSA?