Financial Aid

You might notice that this process is very similar to staying organized through the college application process:

§ Keep copies of all documents you send to colleges. Sometimes items get lost in the mail or are misfiled; be prepared to send them again so you don’t lose time.

§ Make multiple copies of your custodial parent’s tax forms to fax or mail to colleges if you are asked to verify information on your FAFSA.

§ If you have questions about your award package, call the financial aid office at the college and ask to speak to a financial aid officer. Keep notes of the names of the people you speak to and dates of your phone or e-mail contacts at a college. Especially if someone is helpful, try to work with that person consistently when you call, so that you always talk to someone familiar with your situation

§ To stay organized keep a checklist.