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Filing the Free Application for Federal Student
Aid just got a little bit easier!
Provided by the experts at Citizens
Bank.
Citizens Bank prides itself on making education possible for students
and their families. Offering both federal and private loans, we walk
families through every step in the financial aid process, even those
confusing forms! Below are some tips to keep in mind when completing
your Free Application for Federal Student Aid, otherwise known as
your FAFSA, the first step to securing federal Stafford loans.
Snail Mail vs. E-Mail
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Filing electronically is much quicker. Paper
copies of the form take
4-6 weeks to get processed while electronic forms only take
7-10 days.
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The electronic form also helps ensure that the information
is filled out correctly, since it must be completed before you
can advance to the next page.
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To file electronically visit www.fafsa.ed.gov.
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You can obtain a paper copy of the FAFSA from
your high school’s guidance office or the college or university
you plan on attending. |
Start at the Beginning
Deadlines, Deadlines and more Deadlines!
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Freshmen often have earlier deadlines than returning
students.
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Deadlines are the dates forms should be received.
Make sure to allow enough travel time (especially via mail)
for the form to reach its destination before
the actual due date.
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Make sure to check School AND
State specific deadlines. They are usually earlier than deadlines
for Federal Aid.
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Don’t wait
until your taxes are filed to complete your FAFSA! You can fill
in your estimated income and then simply complete your taxes
as soon as possible thereafter. |
More Info Please
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Some schools require additional forms to be filled
out along with the FAFSA. Check with the school you are attending
to be sure that you completed all of the necessary forms!
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Make sure to respond promptly to any verification requests.
Delays could jeopardize your financial aid award. |
Be a Copycat
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It is extremely important to make or print copies
of EVERYTHING before you send it!
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Keep a folder of all your financial aid information including
forms, tax returns, W-2’s, etc.
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Having a folder will also make the verification process more
efficient since all the necessary information is in one place!
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Help!
For questions about your FAFSA or Financial Aid in general you can
contact The Citizens Bank Education Finance
Team at 800-708-6684 or email educationfinance@citizensbank.com.
They have former financial aid directors on staff to answer your specific
questions.
More Great Financial Advice
Looking for some straight-forward advice on paying for college? Download
the PDF versions of the Student
Financial Handbook or the
Understanding Financial Aid Guide from Citizens Bank that has
already helped thousands of families wade through the financial aid
process. Or order your free copy by calling 800-708-6684.
Visit Citizens
Bank's site and learn more about the educational loan opportunities.
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