STEP 3: File a "Free Application for Federal Student Aid" (FAFSA) Form

FASFA: WHAT KIND OF AID ARE YOU APPLYING FOR WITH THIS APPLICATION?

Completion of the FAFSA will determine your eligibility for the following Federal Student Financial Aid Programs:

• Federal Pell Grants
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
• Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
• Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
• Federal Perkins Loans
• Federal Work-Study (FWS)
• Title VII and Public Health Act Programs

For further information, see Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid, a comprehensive reference to all of the Federal Student Financial Aid programs.This publication is available through the Federal Student Aid Web site, studentaid.ed.gov, as well as in college financial aid offices or upon request from the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID.

The FAFSA is also used to determine your eligibility for the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and for other financial aid programs available at New York campuses.

WHEN DO YOU APPLY?

It is important to file your FAFSA by the annual priority filing deadline to be considered for all forms of financial aid.Mail your FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible.Don't wait to find out if you have been admitted to the colleges you have applied to!

Avoid financial aid funding delays by:

• Filing on time.
• Using accurate information — you are permitted to use Estimated Income if your W-2 wage statements are not yet available.
• Following FAFSA instructions carefully.

Remember, you must apply every year...

WHAT INFORMATION WILL YOU NEED TO FILE THE FAFSA CORRECTLY?

You'll need accurate records for your income (and your family's income) earned in the year prior to when you will start college.You will need to refer to:

• Your Social Security card and driver's license.
• W-2 forms or other records of income earned — You are permitted to use Estimated Income if your W-2 wage statements are not yet available.
• Your (and your spouse's, if you're married) federal income tax return.
• Your parents' federal income tax return(s), if you are a dependent student.
• Records of other untaxed income received such as welfare benefits, Social Security benefits, AFDC (or TANF) or ADC, veteran's benefits, or military or clergy allowances.
• Current bank statements and records of stocks, bonds, and other investments.
• Business or farm records, if applicable.
• Your Permanent Resident card (if you are not a U.S. citizen).

COMPLETING THE FAFSA

Applying Online

If you have a NYMentor account, you can apply quickly and easily online!Use the NYMentor to FAFSA Transfer Module to transfer your data from NYMentor directly to the online FAFSA on the Web financial aid application.

Or, to start your online FAFSA, go to the HESC Web site, www.hesc.org, click on Students, Families and Counselors and then the hot button, Complete the FAFSA, and follow the simple instructions.

If you are a New York State resident, and include a New York school in Section 5 of your FAFSA you should also apply for New York State aid online by using the special link on the FAFSA Submission Confirmation page.

Applying On Paper

If you prefer, you can obtain a paper copy of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) from any high school, college, or the financial aid office of the nearest campus and fill it out and mail it in. Be sure to file early to meet deadlines.

HELPFUL SITES

• studentaid.ed.gov — Federal Student Aid: Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid
• www.hesc.org — New York State Higher Education Service Corporation: Hot button link to Complete the FAFSA

STEP 4: APPLY FOR THE NYS TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM >>>