In this tutorial I will be reviewing the current FAFSA instructions, form, and rules for filling out the form, and simplifying the process to make it easier for the reader, as the Government supplied instructions can be very difficult to understand for a first time applicant. Each step will be followed with an image to further help you understand the application process. 1. Gather all the following documents: Driver license or state I.D., Social Security card, W-2 Forms and other records of money earned, parents' Federal Income Tax Return (for dependent students), untaxed income records - Social Security, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, welfare, or veterans benefits records, current bank statements, alien registration or permanent residence card (if you are not a U.S. citizen). 2. Create FAFSA account 3. Fill out student information 4. Fill out basic eligibility for financial aid section 5. Determine school code 6. Dependency determination 7. Fill in financial information 8. Fill in either student or parent tax information 9. Review grant eligibility 10. Sign and complete your FAFSA 11. Print, write, save the following information for your records.

1. How to complete a FAFSA application. By Jessica Alanis

2. Introduction In this tutorial I will be reviewing the current FAFSA instructions, form, and rules for filling out the form, and simplifying the process to make it easier for the reader, as the Government supplied instructions can be very difficult to understand for a first time applicant. Each step will be followed with an image to further help you understand the application process.

3. Before you get started… You will need to gather the following documents to provide for your application. According to the FAFSA website, you need: Driver license or state I.D. Social Security card W-2 Forms and other records of money earned Parents' Federal Income Tax Return (for dependent students) Untaxed income records : Social Security Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Welfare Veterans benefits records Current bank statements Alien registration or permanent residence card (if you are not a U.S. citizen).

4. Visit http://www.fafsa.ed.gov and click on the orange “Start Here” Button

5. Enter your following information *notice you are under Student. The small keyboard icon next to Social Security Number and date of birth is to further help prevent identity theft in case you’re not using your own computer.

6. Create a password and pin. Be sure to save this information as it will be your login information.

7. Fill out the Student Demographic Information.If you have completed a FAFSA electronically before, these answers may be pre-filled. Be sure they are correct.

8. School Selection. Type in the name of your school and provide your school code.

9. Dependency Status. Here are the criteria for whom the Department of Education classifies as an independent student. If you do not meet any of these criteria, then you are classified as a dependent student. Please review the following: You are at least 24 years old on the day you file your FAFSA You are or will be enrolled in a masters or Doctoral degree program at the beginning of the school year You are married on the day you file your FAFSA You are a parent You have dependents other than your spouse who live with you and who receive more than half their support from you at the time you apply Both your parents are deceased (or were until age 18) a ward of dependent of the court You are currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training You're a Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces You were a foster child after the age of 13 You are an emancipated child as determined by a court judge You are homeless or at risk of homelessness as determined by the director of a HUD approved homeless shelter, transitional program, or high school liaison

10. Answer the series of yes or no questions. The following with determine your dependency status according to FAFSA.

11. If you are considered dependent, you will have to provide parental information under the Parent Demographics tab. If you are considered independent, you will have to provide your own financial information. *If you are classified as dependent, but cannot require parental information, you can submit your application without parental information under special circumstances.

12. Student financial information. Fill out your financial information after your dependency status has been determined.

13. Grant Eligibility. Once you are done completing your financial information, you will be presented with federal grants you are eligible for . If you do not qualify for any grants, you will be forwarded to the Sign & Submit tab.

14. Sign and complete your FAFSA. Sign with your pin along with your parent if you are a dependent student.

15. FAFSA completed. Review the initial estimate of your financial aid eligibility. PRINT THIS PAGE FOR YOUR RECORDS.

16. Conclusion. Now that you have completed reading the instructions you can get started on your FAFSA application here! Be sure to come back to these instructions to get a better understanding of each step. *some screen shots were provided by Flickr.