When should I file the FAFSA? -- From the California Student Aid Commission

When should I file the FAFSA?

As we enter the financial aid filing season, some questions come up
every year about filing the FAFSA.  Further FAFSA questions can be made
to the Federal Student Aid Programs at
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/contact.htm

Q: When should I file the 2012-13 FAFSA?

A: As early as possible! The state Cal Grant program and many state
college and university financial aid programs have a March 2 filing
deadline - but many schools and programs have earlier deadlines.
Some colleges ask that the FAFSA be filed as soon after January 1 as
possible!  The California Student Aid Commission advises students to
file as early as possible.  The 2012-13 FAFSA is filed online at
www.fafsa.gov

Q: How can I find out whether my college has an earlier financial aid
and scholarship filing deadline?

A: Visit the college financial aid website.  The federal and state
program deadline will be the same at most schools but institutional
scholarships frequently have deadlines in January.

Q: What else is required to meet financial aid filing requirements?

A:  For the state Cal Grant program a school certified GPA must also be
submitted by March 2, 2012.  Information on Cal Grant GPA submission can
be found at http://www.csac.ca.gov/doc.asp?id=1177 or e-mail
schoolsupport@csac.ca.gov   Colleges may also require additional
forms.  Students should visit the college financial aid website to
inquire what they need.

Q: Do I or my parents have to complete our 2011 tax returns before we
can file the FAFSA?

A:  No.  The FAFSA asks whether the student and parents have already
filed, will file or won’t be filing with the  IRS.  If the FAFSA is
filed before taxes are filed, the student and parents provide the best
estimate of their income as possible, then later, when the actual taxes
are filed, they log back into www.fafsa.gov and add the actual figures.

Q: Shouldn’t I wait to file the FAFSA until my parent’s taxes are
done?

A: No.  File as soon as you can, then correct the FAFSA later.  The
FAFSA allows students and parents to import their final tax information
from the IRS starting about two weeks after the return is filed.  This
makes is very easy to update the tax info later.

Q: What questions will I have to answer on the FAFSA?

A: The FAFSA questions are all on the FAFSA on the Web worksheet.  The
worksheet can be completed before sitting down to file the FAFSA.  By
completing the FAFSA on the Web worksheet, students and parents can have
all of the answers ready for entry, including their 2011 year financial
information.  The 2012-13 FOTW Worksheet can be found online at
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/fotw1213/pdf/fafsaws13c.pdf



Cal Grant Operations/School Support Services
Program Administration & Services Division
California Student Aid Commission
Phone: (888) 294-0153
Fax: (916) 464-6499