The FAFSA: Making It User Friendly

1. The FAFSA:Making It User Friendly Presented by Campus Planning Inc.

2. Apply Using the FAFSA FAFSA If you mail the FAFSA to the Federal Student Aid Program, use the envelope and return notification card provided in the application packet!

3. Now let’s look at the form more closely • General tips: - Read the instructions - Include accurate SSNs - Enter whole numbers & capital letters - Use a black ink pen (#2 pencil use not permitted) - One entry per space - Parents complete purple sections - Students fill in green areas - You must answer #35

4. 2001-2002 FAFSA FAFSA Change • Students are now asked about any drug convictions. Students convicted of possession or sale of a “controlled substance” may be ineligible for federal student aid unless they have participated in an approved rehabilitation program. Aid will be denied if this question is left blank.

5. 2001-2002 FAFSA Step One: You (the student) • All information pertains to student • If student plans to be married before enrolling, wait until then to apply • Entering freshmen will answer “NO” to question #32 ... do not have a degree

6. 2001-2002 FAFSA Step One (continued): your plans • Some schools offer summer aid only if items #17 or #21 show attending in summer • Answer 0 (not 4) in #30 for a high school senior • Some schools only offer a work-study job if #34 is “yes.” We encourage you to answer “yes” to #34

7. 2001-2002 FAFSA Step Three: Student Status • If all answers are “no,” your parents must furnish information in Step Four (purple areas). You then skip Step Five. • If you answer “yes” to any question, you are independent-- then fill out green areas in Step Five (skip Step Four) $

8. 2001-2002 FAFSA Step Four: for Parents • All dependent students must provide the last name(s) and social security number(s) of their mother (or stepmother) and/or their father (or stepfather) #60 through #63. • Single parents list only themselves.

9. 2001-2002 FAFSA Step Four: for Parents • The number of family members attending college may no longer include the parents, #65. This may be appealed, however, through “Professional Judgment.” We are available to assist you with such appeals.

10. 2001-2002 FAFSA FAFSA Change (Step Four for parentand Step Two for Student) • Income tax questions in #36 & #70 have changed from “Have filed” or “Will file” to “Have completed, and will file” or “Will file, but have not completed.”

11. 2001-2002 FAFSA Income, earnings, and benefits (Step Four for parent; back to Step Two for Student) • Refer to a completed tax return for accurate information. Consult instructions for proper line references • If entry is zero or none, enter 0. Do not leave any space blank unless instructed to do so. • Use Worksheet A to determine untaxed income (answer #44-#78) • Use Worksheet B & C to calculate items to be excluded in the need analysis (#45-#46 and #79-#80)

12. 2001-2002 FAFSA Income, earnings, and benefits (continued) -- net worth questions • Net worth questions must be answered by all people completing the form. • These are questions #47-#49 (for students) and questions #81-#83 (for parents). • Net worth is defined as the current value of the asset minus the debt against the asset. • Separate net worth among “investments,” “business,” and “farm” to answer the three questions. The value of the home is not included in net worth.

13. 2001-2002 FAFSA Income, earnings, and benefits (continued)-- net worth questions • Do not include your IRAs, 401 (k), 403 (b) or any other retirement benefit on questions #47 or #81.

14. 2001-2002 FAFSA Income, earnings, and benefits (continued)-- “investment farm” question • Stock options are considered assets and must be included in #47 and/or #81. Be sure to read the “Do not include...” statements • Questions #47 through #49 and #81 through #83: “Total current balance…” has been changed to “As of today, what is your total balance…”

15. 2001-2002 FAFSA Income, earnings, and benefits (continued)-- “investment farm” question • Questions #48 and #83 pertain to an investment farm that you may own. • Do not include the value of a family farm that you live on and operate. Only include one that is owned solely for investment purposes. • A farm that has been incorporated is not a family farm if non-family members own shares in the corporation.

16. 2001-2002 FAFSA Step Five: Student’s Family • Only independent students answer questions #84 & #85 • Answers regarding household size and number in college pertain only to the student’s family (student, spouse, and student’s children). Do not include information about parent’s family here!

17. 2001-2002 FAFSA Step Six: Federal School Code • Enter school codes (a maximum of six) and school’s name (for clarity) • Name, address, and state of college may be entered if you do not know the school’s code • Check appropriate housing plans

18. 2001-2002 FAFSA Step Seven: Signatures • The Student applying must sign the FAFSA in #99 • Dependent students only need one parent to sign the form • Married student spouse does not need to sign

19. 2001-2002 FAFSA Step Seven (continued) If a paid professional person completed the form • This section is completed if a person such as an accountant or financial planner fills out the FAFSA

20. You mustreapply every year • Be conscious of school deadlines Apply early but not before January 1st

21. Both the FAFSA and CSS Profile may be filed electronically For answers to any questions you may have, regarding the filing of the your FAFSA or your CSS Profile, feel free to contact us.

22. Questions? Our e-mail address iscampusplan@ameritech.net • We are available in January, February and March, to assist you with the filing of the FAFSA or the Profile, either by paper or electronic filing.