Applying for financial aid can be an intimidating process for many first-time and returning college students. The required documents and online forms seem endless and the requested information seems never-ending. However, the process can be as easy as 1, 2, 3! Savvy Student has put together a brief but comprehensive guide for all returning students who are applying for financial aid for the 2013-2014 school year. We are here for you!
Returning students are required to complete applications for financial aid by APRIL 26, 2013. The components of the application are as follows:
1. FAFSA
What is it?
The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is the gateway for receiving need-based federal loans, grants and/or work-study.
How do I fill it out?
You may complete the FAFSA by visiting www.fafsa.ed.gov and entering our school code, 002133. If you do not have a FAFSA PIN you will need to create one at www.pin.ed.gov. You will use this PIN to sign the FAFSA. As an undergraduate, dependent student your FAFSA requires the signatures of the student and a parent. Separate PINS are required.
Anything else I should know?
- Please submit your tax returns at least two weeks prior to completing the FAFSA. This way you will be able to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool successfully and potentially avoid a request for verification.
- For students only interested in receiving Federal Stafford loans and/or for parents wanting to apply for PLUS funds you must submit the FAFSA, and only the FAFSA.
What is it?
The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is the gateway for receiving need-based federal loans, grants and/or work-study.
How do I fill it out?
You may complete the FAFSA by visiting www.fafsa.ed.gov and entering our school code, 002133. If you do not have a FAFSA PIN you will need to create one at www.pin.ed.gov. You will use this PIN to sign the FAFSA. As an undergraduate, dependent student your FAFSA requires the signatures of the student and a parent. Separate PINS are required.
Anything else I should know?
- Please submit your tax returns at least two weeks prior to completing the FAFSA. This way you will be able to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool successfully and potentially avoid a request for verification.
- For students only interested in receiving Federal Stafford loans and/or for parents wanting to apply for PLUS funds you must submit the FAFSA, and only the FAFSA.
2. CSS Profile
What is it?
The CSS Profile is an online reporting tool we use in conjunction with the FAFSA to award institutional need-based financial aid. The CSS Profile is available through the CollegeBoard and is a more detailed than the FAFSA If you are interested in being considered for need-based financial aid you need to complete both the CSS Profile and the FAFSA.
How do I fill it out?
- You can complete the CSS Profile by visiting https://profileonline.collegeboard.com and entering our school code, 3092. If you have previously completed the CSS Profile your demographic information should update automatically.
- If your parents are divorced or separated you will be prompted to submit the Non-Custodial Parent Profile. If contact information is provided the non-custodial parent will be emailed regarding the NCP Profile. The link for non-custodial parents to submit their information is https://ncprofile.collegeboard.com. The email will include login information.
- Additionally, if one or both parents report business income or loss from self-employment, rental real estate, royalties, trusts, partnerships or s-corporations, they should plan to include the business return which reflects the amount being reported.
Anything else I should know?
If you have a concern about the Noncustodial Profile requirement please contact our office. You may alternatively complete the Noncustodial Parent Waiver Petition to be reviewed by our Appeals Committee.
What is it?
The CSS Profile is an online reporting tool we use in conjunction with the FAFSA to award institutional need-based financial aid. The CSS Profile is available through the CollegeBoard and is a more detailed than the FAFSA If you are interested in being considered for need-based financial aid you need to complete both the CSS Profile and the FAFSA.
How do I fill it out?
- You can complete the CSS Profile by visiting https://profileonline.collegeboard.com and entering our school code, 3092. If you have previously completed the CSS Profile your demographic information should update automatically.
- If your parents are divorced or separated you will be prompted to submit the Non-Custodial Parent Profile. If contact information is provided the non-custodial parent will be emailed regarding the NCP Profile. The link for non-custodial parents to submit their information is https://ncprofile.collegeboard.com. The email will include login information.
- Additionally, if one or both parents report business income or loss from self-employment, rental real estate, royalties, trusts, partnerships or s-corporations, they should plan to include the business return which reflects the amount being reported.
Anything else I should know?
If you have a concern about the Noncustodial Profile requirement please contact our office. You may alternatively complete the Noncustodial Parent Waiver Petition to be reviewed by our Appeals Committee.
3. 2012 Federal Tax Returns
What is it?
Tax returns are filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and contain income and investment information for the 2012 tax year. We require submission of Federal tax returns or the equivalent in order to verify information included on the CSS Profile and FAFSA.
How do I fill it out?
Tax returns are filed with the IRS and may be prepared by the individual filer or a tax professional. Waltham residents may receive free tax preparation by visiting Charles River Public Internet Center or using Bentley University's VITA program.
Anything else I should know?
-All tax documents must be mailed to IDOC, an Imaging and Documentation Service provided by the CollegeBoard. We are asking for parent and student 2012 Federal returns. The returns should be signed and include all schedules and W-2 forms. If a student or parent does not file a return please visit our website (www.brandeis.edu/sfs) to obtain a Non-Filer Statement and plan to submit supporting financial documentation such as unemployment benefits, social security or disability.
- Students must file the CSS Profile before accessing their IDOC Cover Sheet which must be printed and included with the packet being mailed to the CollegeBoard (P.O. Box 4017, Mt. Vernon, Il., 62864). Students may access their Cover Sheet online at www.idoc.collegeboard.com.
*** Applying for financial aid does not need to be a strenuous or challenging process! By using this in-depth guide, you can complete your financial aid application before the deadline and have a stress-free semester!
What is it?
Tax returns are filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and contain income and investment information for the 2012 tax year. We require submission of Federal tax returns or the equivalent in order to verify information included on the CSS Profile and FAFSA.
How do I fill it out?
Tax returns are filed with the IRS and may be prepared by the individual filer or a tax professional. Waltham residents may receive free tax preparation by visiting Charles River Public Internet Center or using Bentley University's VITA program.
Anything else I should know?
-All tax documents must be mailed to IDOC, an Imaging and Documentation Service provided by the CollegeBoard. We are asking for parent and student 2012 Federal returns. The returns should be signed and include all schedules and W-2 forms. If a student or parent does not file a return please visit our website (www.brandeis.edu/sfs) to obtain a Non-Filer Statement and plan to submit supporting financial documentation such as unemployment benefits, social security or disability.
- Students must file the CSS Profile before accessing their IDOC Cover Sheet which must be printed and included with the packet being mailed to the CollegeBoard (P.O. Box 4017, Mt. Vernon, Il., 62864). Students may access their Cover Sheet online at www.idoc.collegeboard.com.
*** Applying for financial aid does not need to be a strenuous or challenging process! By using this in-depth guide, you can complete your financial aid application before the deadline and have a stress-free semester!
Stay savvy!
~ Savvy Student
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