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To save your own version you can customize, click File above then select Make a Copy.Resources
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STEPS FOR COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID Fall 2023 For students starting college in Summer or Fall 2024Sign up for help & reminders w Otterbot. Text "Hi Otter" to 360-928-7281 (state run & reputable)
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PREPARE FOR FINANCIAL AID (can be done before October 1)*Washington State Financial Aid Overview video w FAFSA or WASFA question
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Record details on your College Application Tracker Types of Student Aid video
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Figure out if you will fill out the FAFSA or the WASFA. Most students will fill out the FAFSA. The WASFA is for students w/ alternate citizenship/ immigration status. Use this WASFA Questionnaire if you are not sure.
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Determine your FAFSA Parent Contributor, the parent whose income and information will be required on the form.
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Start your FAFSA or WASFA account using this Create Account Worksheet as a guide. Students, use a personal email address, not your school email, since you will file every year in college. This can be done in advance.
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FAFSA filers, you must Create your account/ FSA ID at least a week before you fill out the form.
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The FAFSA belongs to the student, but the parent will also need to Create an Account and have an FSA ID unless the parent has an older student who went to college in the last five years. Parents must use the same FSA ID for all of their children.
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Research FAFSA/ WASFA Priority Dates of the colleges in your list. Record on your College Application Tracker. Look on colleges' Financial Aid pages.
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Forecast your costs at each college by using tools on the College Fit document in the Financial Aid Info folder of the College Application Packet.
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If you wish (it's free, but you do have to sign up) use the College Essay Guy's Paying for College in Four Steps guide to help strategize types of colleges that fit your situation.
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Gather documents listed here, including 2022 tax forms and W-2s
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Research any additional financial aid requirements of colleges in your list; some colleges require the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA
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Refine your college list so that you can list them on your FAFSA/ WASFA; you can add more schools later
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FILL OUT THE FAFSA OR WASFA (in December)
How to Complete the FAFSA webpage or FAFSA Completion Guide pdf
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FAFSA: go to fafsa.gov on the Federal Student Aid website and Start Here. If you have not already set up a Student Aid account, Create an Account. You will need to create an account several days before you fill out the form.
Completing the FAFSA Step by Step video (will be updated when the new form is released)
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WASFA: go to wsac.wa.gov/wasfa and select New User.
Instrucciones de finalización de FAFSA video en espanol (se actualizará cuando se publique el nuevo formulario)
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Select the 2024-2025 FAFSA or WASFAHow to Complete the WASFA slideshow
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If you have trouble with the FAFSA, we can try to help or you can call the FAFSA Help Line 1-800-433-3243.
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If you have trouble with the WASFA, we can try to help or you can call 1-888-535-0747, Option 2, or email wasfa@wsac.wa.gov
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Be sure that your submission is complete; you should receive a confirmation email. Save it.
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Pay attention to any follow up messages, especially one that says your FAFSA/ WASFA has been processed. Save those emails!
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If you have errors, correct them by logging back in and re-submitting.
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AFTER THE FAFSA / WASFA
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When you receive your Student Aid Report after submitting the FAFSA, go over it carefully to make sure that it is correct. The SAI is the Student Aid Index.
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FAFSA filers, pay attention to all messages from StudentAid.gov and from the financial aid offices of your colleges (be sure you have set up your application portals, since notifications may come that way instead of via email). Provide any additional information they request.
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When your colleges send financial aid award letters, check them carefully and ask if you do not know what terms mean.
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Appeal your award(s) if family circumstances have changed. Each college will have a slightly different process so this must be done directly with each college's Student Financial Services/ Financial Aid Office. They may or may not have information online; calling will yield the best information.
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Once you decide on one college, accept or reject each part of the financial award: say yes to free money and be aware of the terms of any loans.
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Pay your deposit to your school of choice to save your spot. The deadline is usually May 1. Deposit at only one school.
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