• Get educated! To learn more about applying for financial aid, attend a high school financial aid night or College Goal Sunday.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If filing online, the student and at least one parent must request a PIN from the federal government prior to submission of the FAFSA online. A PIN can be obtained from www.PIN.ed.gov.
• Read application instructions carefully before beginning to complete the form.
• Observe and meet all deadlines.
• Find out whether any supplemental applications in addition to the FAFSA must be filed.
• If any unusual circumstances exist, contact the postsecondary institution financial aid office.
• Comply with all written requests for information.
• Maintain a file of all applications and/or forms submitted.
• Keep copies of all tax forms and schedules.
• Keep a copy of the FAFSA.
• Record the dates for filing for each application.
• Respond promptly to award offers from institutions.

Additional Resources

The Cost of a College Education Who Qualifies for Financial Aid Determining Financial Need Financial Aid Calculators Helping Adults Plan for College Higher Ed. Guide for Adults State of Michigan Programs Specialty Programs Searching for Scholarships Scholarship Search Web Sites Scholarship Scams