The initial questions on the FAFSA pertain to personal identification, such as name, birthday and gender. However, you will also need to complete additional questions asking knowledge that is not common-place. For example, you may need to provide your driver's license number (if applicable). To quickly answer these questions, have easy access to your Social Security card and driver's license, as well as alien or permanent residence card (if not a United States citizen). If you are or were in the military, you will also need related information of proof.
To determine your eligibility for additional federal grants and loans, a majority of the FAFSA involves completing personal financial information. You must provide information regarding your current financial situation, as well as your annual finances. This can be done through bank statements and tax forms. If you are a dependent on your parents' taxes, you must include their most recent tax returns. If applicable, you must also provide information regarding investments and any untaxed income from you and/or your parents, depending on your situation.
The FAFSA requires information be completed pertaining to the college or university you will attend for that term. This is needed for many reasons. First, they need proof you are actually attending school. Secondly, they need to know where to send the information. Therefore, before beginning the FAFSA application process, be sure to know the name and location of the school. You will also have to enter your current term (i.e. freshman, sophomore, etc.), as well as the year you are anticipating to graduate.
Before you begin your FAFSA, make sure you have the basic essentials. This includes a good Internet connection and enough time to complete the application. Although these elements seem common sense, they are often overlooked and have the potential to add time to the FAFSA process. It is also important to have pencil and paper available, as well as a printer. At the end of the application, you will be given a confirmation number and a copy of the submitted FAFSA. It is wise to copy down the number and print the copy for your records. Additionally, it is always helpful to have access to help, either from a professor, parent or another student, if needed.