1) Use a black ink or # 2 pencil (ink is preferable, press hard if you use a pencil).

2) Pay attention to the previously implied deadlines.

3) Before you start filling out the application, make sure that you have all necessary documents (e.g., income tax return, bank statements, social security and pension records, veteran's records, public assistance documents, etc.).

4) Follow application instructions carefully. Answer every question that applies to you, your parents, and/or your spouse as required.

5) For application questions that require filling in an oval or circle, you must fill in the oval or circle completely.

6) Use block letters and numbers on form except where signatures are required. Enter one letter or number per box; do not write outside of the boxes. Use abbreviations when possible, and do not worry if you run out of space or boxes.

7) If completing a Renewal application and your previous year's answer has changed or is now incorrect, enter new or updated information in the far right column. For questions with an arrow pointing to the far right column, you must enter new information.

8) Remember to include any apartment number in your address. (either Apt. __ or #__)

9) When the answer is a number, fill in the boxes from right to left. In other words, do not put the highest dollar number in the leftmost box. Round off the amount to the lowest dollar. For example, if your family's adjusted gross income for 2000 was $25, 865.23, you should fill in the boxes this way:

Not this way:

10) When asked about possible income from a source that does not give you income, zero is the appropriate answer.

11) You (and if applicable your spouse or parents) must sign the application.

12) Make sure there is a stamp on the envelope.

13) Mail the application as soon as it is completed

Respond quickly to requests from the Financial Aid Office and/or the federal or state governments for additional information regarding application or for supporting documentation (verification). In most instances, the information should be submitted directly to the Financial Aid Office.

1) Use a computer that has a printer attached.

2) Pay attention to the previously implied deadlines.

3) Follow application instructions carefully. Answer every question that applies to you, your parents, and/or your spouse as required.

4) Do not use your browser's back page button to return to a previous page in this web site. If you do so; you will erase all of your information and will have to retype everything. Use the Previous Page button at the bottom of the page to return to a previous screen.

5) Before you start filling out the application, make sure that you have all the documents necessary to fill them out (e.g., income tax return, public assistance documents, bank statements, social security and pension records, veteran's records, etc.)

6) Remember to include apartment numbers in addresses. (either Apt. __ or #__)

7) You must round all amounts to the lowest dollar.

8) When asked about income from a source that does not give you income, zero is the appropriate answer.

9) Do not forget to print a Signature Page. If you (and/or your parents, if you are considered a dependent student) do not have a PIN# you must print and sign the Signature Page. Mail the Signature page to the address indicated. However, if you are file an electronic Renewal FAFSA and are an independent student, you will not be given a Signature Page to print. The PIN# that you submitted at the beginning of the FAFSA will serve as your signature. If you are considered a dependent student, your PIN# can still act as your signature, but your parents will be required to sign a Signature Page. In short, if the web site allows you to print a signature page, do so.

10) Respond quickly to requests from the Financial Aid Office and/or the federal or state governments for additional information regarding your application. In most instances, the information may be submitted directly to the Financial Aid Office.