• Apply online!

• Apply as early as possible on or after January 2 for the next academic year.

• Use completed federal tax returns if possible. Get your federal taxes done sooner! Use estimated returns only to meet deadlines.

• Meet filing priority date (March 15).

• Read the instructions carefully — don't assume!

• Complete all asset questions.

• Keep or save a copy of all documents submitted.

• Respond promptly to any requests for information from the Financial Aid Office.

Frequent FAFSA Errors

• Missing signature/PIN — dependent students* must have both student and parent signatures/PINs on the application!

• Wrong Social Security Number

• Wrong date of birth

• Divorced/remarried parent information

• Income earned by parents/stepparents

• Untaxed income

• U.S. income taxes paid

• Household size

• Number of family members in college

• Not using real or legal name

• Not making sure that the application is complete and confirmed complete

• NOT APPLYING AT ALL

*You are a DEPENDENT student if you do NOT meet any of the following criteria:

• Born before January 1, 1986

• Married

• Pursuing graduate degree (beyond bachelor's)

• Have a child or children who receive more than half of their support from you

• Have dependents (other than children and spouse) who live with you and who receive and will continue to receive more than half their support from you through June 30, 2010

• You are an orphan or ward of the court (or were a ward of the court until age 18)

• You are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces ("veteran" includes students who attend a U.S. service academy and who were released under a condition other than dishonorable)