FAFSA WORKSHEET Scavenger Hunt

Please answer the questions.

To begin:

• Log on to the FAFSA website at

www.fafsa.ed.gov .

https://fafsa.ed.gov/fotw1415/pdf/fafsaws14c.pdf

http://www.studentaid.ed.gov/fafsa/filling-out/pin    

http://www.studentaid.ed.gov/fafsa

·   • If you’re hoping to attend a 4-year college, check “1st Bachelor’s Degree.”

·   If you’re planning to attend a 2-year college, check the “Associate” box that best describes your program.

·   If you’re planning on a program that gives you a certificate or diploma, check the box for “less than two years” or “two or more years.”

·   If you’re not sure, you can check the “undecided” box.

SECTION 1 - STUDENT INFORMATION

Who is eligible? Eligibility requirements include the following: • You must be a U.S. citizen or documented legal resident • You must be a high school graduate (or have a GED, or pass an ability-to-benefit test) • If you’re a male from 18 through 25, you must be registered with the Selective Service. (If you’re not, you can do this while completing the FAFSA.) • Have no drug convictions while receiving student aid • Be enrolled in an eligible postsecondary program   What do you need to complete FAFSA on the Web? Answer social security number

Explain Selective Service Registration Who                a guy/male 18 or over What              have not registered for the selective service Why               you cannot receive financial aid .

What is   Student Aid Eligibility Drug Convictions ❑ I have never attended college ❑ I have never received federal student aid ❑ I have never had a drug conviction If you did not check any of these boxes, you will be asked more questions online .

SECTION 2 - STUDENT DEPENDENCY STATUS

List three ways you can be considered independent; student will not have to provide parental information May list any answers listed below: ❑ I was born before January 1, 1989 ❑ I am serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces ❑ Since I turned age 13, both of my parents were deceased ❑ I was a dependent or ward of the court since turning age 13 ❑ I am married ❑ I am a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces ❑ I was in foster care since turning age 13 ❑ I am currently or I was an emancipated minor ❑ I will be working on a master’s or doctorate program (e.g., MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD, graduate certificate) ❑ I have children and I provide more than half of their support ❑ I have dependents (other than children or my spouse) who live with me and I provide more than half of their support ❑ I am currently or I was in legal guardianship ❑ I am homeless or I am at risk of being homeless

SECTION 3 - PARENT INFORMATION

Who is considered a parent? a biological or adoptive parent

SECTION 4 - STUDENT INFORMATION

What tool is the easiest way to provide accurate tax information - use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool

Receiving and Using a PIN     http://www.studentaid.ed.gov/fafsa/filling-out/pin

Who needs a PIN?      You and your parent need separate PIN numbers.

What is a PIN used for?     Your PIN is used to sign legally binding documents electronically

What four piece of information do you need to apply for a PIN?    Your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address.

Why is it important not to tell anyone your PIN ? Don’t give your PIN to anyone—not even to someone helping you fill out the FAFSA. Sharing your PIN could put you at risk of identity theft !

What is a PIN?   A PIN is a four-digit number that is used in combination with your Social Security number, name, and date of birth to identify you as someone who has the right to access your own personal information on Federal Student Aid websites such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSASM)

Getting Help

List 3 options for getting help in completing the FAFSA. Note: All are available via the website.

The FAFSA provides both online and phone support for families with questions: Phone 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). TTY line (for callers who are hearing impaired) 1-800-730-8913. Provides e-mail access www.fafsa.ed.gov   Printed help pages, and live support

Finding and Using Federal School Codes

Where can you find Federal School Codes?   A list of Federal School Codes is available at www.fafsa.gov .

What are they used for?   An identifier that the U.S. Department of Education assigns to each college or career school that participates in the federal student aid programs. In order to send your FAFSA information to a school, you must list the school's Federal School Code on your application. A Federal School Code is always six characters, beginning with 0

What if you want to apply to more than 10 schools?

Definitions

Define each of the terms below.

PIN --Personal Identification Number A 4-digit number that, along with your name, Social Security Number, and date of birth, identifies you as someone who has a right to access your personal info on Federal Student Aid website

EFC --Expected Family Contribution A measure of how much your family can afford to pay for your education for the next school year. Your EFC is based on the information you provided on the FAFSA. Your EFC determines your eligibility for financial aid for one school year.

SAR -- Student Aid Report Contains the information you provided on the FAFSA as well as your EFC (Expected Family Contribution)

COA Cost of Attendance The amount it will cost you to go to school

Technical Questions

How do I save my application so I can return to it later? You can save your work as you go by clicking the “save” button at the bottom of the page.

How do I return to my saved application?

How long will my application be saved?   Incomplete applications remain on the FAFSA website for 45 days, or until the federal application deadline, whichever comes first .

The FAFSA: Fact or Fiction? Read each prompt below and check each box that makes the statement true. (NOTE: You can check as many boxes as you wish in each category.)

1. You must complete the FAFSA in order to receive Financial aid from the federal government. Financial aid from your state government. Financial aid from many schools.

2. Government aid may be used to pay for Full-time attendance at 4-year colleges. Full-time attendance at community colleges. Full-time attendance at some tech and trade schools.

3. The FAFSA includes financial information about The student who will be attending school. The student’s biological or adoptive parent(s). The student’s step-parent with whom s/he lives.

4. The FAFSA should be completed No earlier than January 1 of the year before beginning college. By a deadline that varies from state to state. As early as possible to receive the maximum financial aid.

Back to top