Completing the FAFSA

Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the most important step for both federal and state of Indiana financial aid. A number of colleges also use the FAFSA to determine your need and eligibility for grants and scholarships. To be eligible for all federal and Indiana financial aid you must submit a FAFSA by March 10th.

Don’t forget the first “F” in FAFSA stands for free. Never pay to file the FAFSA, and know that there are many free services to help you fill it out.

The ISM College Planning Team offers several solutions to help you complete and submit your FAFSA by the Indiana deadline of March 10th. We understand that some people may be intimidated by the form, and others would simply like some reassurance along the way. We’re happy to help.

We are happy to help you and your family complete the FAFSA!

What you need to file your FAFSA:

Students:

  • Social Security Card
  • Driver’s License (if any)
  • W-2 forms and/or records of money earned
  • Federal Income Tax Return (IRS 1040, 1040a, 1040EX)
  • Current Bank Statements

Parents:

  • Social Security Card
  • W-2 forms and/or records of money earned
  • Federal Income Tax Return (IRS 1040, 1040a, 1040EX)
  • Current Bank Statements
  • Other Business or investment records

Other Helpful Items

FAFSA On The Web

While there are several ways to file the FAFSA, the easiest and most commonly used method is online at www.fafsa.gov. Starting January 1st of your senior year in high school, you’ll fill the form out every year you plan to attend college. By filing online some of your information will carry over meaning it gets easier to fill out every year you file.

Get a PIN

To complete the FAFSA online you’ll need to get a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Head over to www.PIN.ed.gov to apply for you PIN. Remember your PIN not only allows you to sign the FAFSA electronically, but it also allows you to access your student aid report, and complete the student aid process online.

Who needs a PIN?
  • The student (dependent or independent)
  • One parent of a dependent student

FAFSA on the Web Worksheet

The FAFSA on the Web Worksheet is a form that can make completing the FAFSA online easier. The form can be printed from the FAFSA website and gives you and your parents the option to answer some of the FAFSA questions on paper first. The Worksheet has many of the financial questions along with the instructions on what is needed to answer those questions properly.

FAFSA4Caster

If you are interested in learning more about the FAFSA form and the financial aid process take a look at www.FAFSA4Caster.ed.gov. The FAFSA4Caster allows you to input your financial information and can give you early estimates of your eligibility for federal student aid. It provides you with a similar experience to the FAFSA and your information can transfer into your actual FAFSA when the time is right.

eStudent

When your FAFSA is completed you can get an early estimate on your eligibility for state of Indiana aid using the eStudent portal. This site allows you to view your state grant award and it will also let you know if there are any issues with your FAFSA that could prevent you from receiving state of Indiana aid.

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