FAFSA is the first Step: What Students and Families Should Know

For students and families preparing for college, the financial aid process can feel overwhelming. But taking it one step at a time and knowing where to turn for help can make the process more manageable.

Tamisha Martin, Director of Admissions at Allen University, previously served as a financial aid director for 12 years. She recently shared her advice on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), with the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.

FAFSA does not mean taking out loans

One of the first misconceptions Martin wants families to understand is that completing the FAFSA does not commit a student to borrowing money.

“The FAFSA is simply an application used to determine what types of financial aid a student may qualify for,” Martin said. That aid can include grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities and student loans. 

Because completing the FAFSA helps determine what resources may be available, Martin encourages families to submit it even if they are unsure if they will qualify for financial aid. “Never disqualify yourself before you apply,” she said. Financial aid is not limited to families with extremely low incomes. 

FAFSA information may also be used to determine eligibility for certain State, Institutional and other financial aid opportunities.

Don't wait and don't guess

Martin shared that waiting too long to complete the FAFSA is another common mistake that applicants make that can cause students and families to miss financial aid opportunities. She encourages families to begin the process early and carefully review their information before submitting the application.

She also cautions families against guessing when they are unsure how to answer a question. “Do not guess when you're unsure,” Martin said. “Ask your financial aid office for assistance.”

Financial aid offices can assist students and families in understanding the application and avoiding mistakes that could delay the process or affect their eligibility.

Pay attention to contributors and account information

The FAFSA requires information from different individuals depending on a student's circumstances, making it important for families to understand who needs to participate in the application.

Martin encourages families to pay close attention to who is required to provide information as a contributor and to make sure each person who needs a StudentAid.gov account has access to their own account information.

Students and parents should also carefully review identifying information, including Social Security numbers, before submitting the FAFSA. An incorrect Social Security number or other identifying information can create problems verifying an account or matching the information to a student's record.

Take the process one step at a time

For students who feel overwhelmed by financial aid, Martin recommends breaking the process into manageable steps.

“Take a breather, don't get overwhelmed,” she said. “Start with the FAFSA. Don’t try to figure out your entire financial aid process at one time.”

Martin recommends beginning by creating a StudentAid.gov account, gathering the necessary information, completing the FAFSA and then following up with the students’ college if questions arise.

“Submit the FAFSA,” Martin said. “Whether you think you qualify or not, you can't go wrong with it.”

Stay engaged after submitting the FAFSA

Completing the FAFSA is an important first step, but Martin shares that to take full advantage of all resources available to them, students should remain engaged throughout the financial aid process.

Martin encourages students to regularly check their email, student portals and financial aid accounts and to respond promptly when financial aid offices request additional documentation.

Martin also encourages students to explore outside scholarships as well.  “Ask your college that you’re applying to about institutional scholarships, work-study grants, emergency assistance, or any available resources that the school may offer.” 

Martin also shared that every student's financial aid package is different and encourages families to review their own award information carefully rather than assuming their experience will be the same as another student's.

Finally, to stay engaged in their financial aid process, Martin shared effective ways to communicate with financial aid entities. Martin shares that Students should maintain a personal email address for financial aid communications as opposed to using a school-issued email address that may no longer be accessible after graduation.

When you have questions, ask for help

The financial aid process may seem complicated, but students and families do not have to navigate it alone. Martin encourages students to use the resources available through their colleges and to seek assistance whenever they are unsure about a step.

Starting early, completing the FAFSA accurately and staying engaged throughout the process can help students make the most of the financial aid opportunities available to them.

Learn more about the FAFSA and complete the application at StudentAid.gov.

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