Submit your FAFSA. About six weeks after submission, you will receive an SAR, which stands for Student Aid Report, documenting the evaluation of your application.
Locate the line on the SAR that reads "EFC." The EFC is the amount of aid your family should be able to contribute to your education as determined by the evaluation of your application.
Determine the cost of one year of attendance at the college or university you plan to attend. Include tuition, books, room and board, travel, supplies and personal incidentals.
Subtract the EFC from the annual cost of attendance at the school you wish to attend to determine your financial need.
Contact the financial aid office of the college or university you plan to attend if you believe the SAR represents an inaccurate estimate of your family's expected contribution.