FAFSA forms are available in the Guidance Office. CSS Profile registration forms have been available since September. Most colleges only require the FAFSA, but a few colleges require both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile and may also require an additional institutional aid application. Seniors should check with the college they plan to attend to ensure that they complete all necessary forms. Also, seniors should see their counselor if they have general questions about financial aid.

Seniors planning to apply for financial aid should make note of the following points:

• 1. Complete all necessary forms. Many colleges need the information from the financial aid form(s) in order to award institutional funds. Students should not assume that they are not eligible for financial aid.
• 2. Proof your FAFSA carefully. Errors will cause delays and a possible reduction in the aid package.
• 3. Make a copy of your completed forms before mailing them. You should maintain a file at home.
• 4. Apply early. Many colleges have a priority deadline for FAFSA forms, so students will receive a better aid package if they mail their financial aid forms as soon after January 1 as possible. However, students should not mail them before January 1. They will be returned, and this will delay the processing.
• 5. If parents do not receive their tax information in time, it may be best to estimate by using the tax return from the previous year as long as the parents' financial situation has not changed much from one year to the next..
• 6. If parents need help completing the FAFSA or CSS Profile, the Educational Opportunity Center can help. Parents may call 683-2312 to make an appointment at the Virginia Beach office.
• 7. FAFSA On Line: The FAFSA can be completed on the Internet at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov instead of using the paper form. Be sure to complete the current year form and do not transmit it until January 1.
• 8. If students have unusual circumstances, they should contact the financial aid office of the college(s) they plan to attend. College financial aid officers are very willing to work with students and their parents. They usually recommend that the parent write a letter explaining any extenuating circumstances and mail a copy to the college financial aid office(s).
• 9. FAFSA and CSS forms should be mailed at the same time, but not to the same address. Be sure to follow the separate instructions for each.
• 10. Check the morning announcements and the financial aid bulletin board for additional information.

The U.S. Department of Education has a toll-free number to answer questions about Federal student aid programs and assist in completing the FAFSA. 1-800/4FED-AID(1-800/433-3243) 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. (eastern time) Monday through Friday.

Last Update: Monday, December 10, 2012