Fed Financial
Do I have to fill out a FAFSA application and file for financial aid to begin classes?
Can I do all the paperwork later on instead? Because this is really getting frustrating even with my parents trying to help me out...it's all so confusing! I just want to start my classes already, I think I could just ask my dad if he can loan me some money from his bank...do I REALLY need to fill this out??
Public Comments
- you can do the paperwork later, but you might run into more problems if you wait. financial aid can be dated back to the semester of need, but not too much in the future. also, having the financial aid set is probably the biggest issue for being able to complete your degree, and filling out the first one may be a pain but after that it will mostly be filled out when you begin for the next semester. if frustration is getting the better of you, go to the school's financial aid office. they can really set things straight and get the proper reading materials so that you can see what you should be doing and how you should be doing it. it is amazing how much of the confusion dies away after talking to them. the short answer to your question is that you can work on the paperwork later and pay for the classes now. your school will not care where the money is coming from and will happily allow you to take classes as long as your tuition dollars are coming in. there will be no guarantee on the money you will receive until the award letter is mailed to you, so knowing how much the government will cover and what types of financial aid are available is crucial for the continuance of your education. take the time now and enjoy the benefits of an easier college education.
- No, you don't have to fill it out if you or your parents have the cash to pay for your tuition, books, room, board and fees. If he (or you) don't have the cash (or need to borrow to get it) then yes, you need to fill out the paperwork. Don't borrow money from a bank or other financial institution without filling out the fafsa first. Any loan you would get from them would not be a real student loan and therefore not be eligible for deferred payments while you are in school and wouldn't have the lower interest rates or the tax benefits of student loans. Fill out another fafsa for as soon after Jan 1 as possible for Fall of 08. Yes, you are applying 7 months early. If you aren't sure about a fafsa question or a process email me. (my record in submitting a fafsa online is less than 10 minutes - start to finish). Good Luck
