Filing the FAFSA: The Edvisors Guide to Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Every year, more than 20 million students and parents file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the gateway to federal, state and school financial aid. Families often worry about making costly mistakes, but this step-by-step guide provides expert advice and insights to:
• Maximize eligibility for student aid
• Avoid common errors
• Complete the form quickly, easily and accurately

Praise for Filing the FAFSA:

"I found Filing the FAFSA to be an up-to-the-minute, accessible and readable resource for those with a keen interest in the current federal application for student financial aid."
–Nancy Coolidge, Office of the President, University of California

"Families need a guide that breaks down the application form into logical sections. Filing the FAFSA is an important tool in removing some of the mystery surrounding the financial aid process."
–Verna Hazen, Assistant Vice President and Director, Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, Rochester Institute of Technology

"With the plethora of information on the subject of completing college financial applications, it’s reassuring to find a guide that students, parents and even guidance counselors can look to for useful and accurate information."
–Carlos Adrian, Associate Director, Financial Aid Compliance, Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs, Syracuse University

"As a long-time financial aid professional, I am always looking for helpful tools to assist families in understanding the sometimes overwhelming process of applying for student financial aid for college. Filing the FAFSA is a tool that successfully combines the presentation of detailed information with easy to follow flow charts and summary boxes to guide families through the application process. It is filled with helpful hints and is a valuable resource for families navigating the complicated world of financial aid."
–Diane Stemper, Executive Director, Office of Enrollment Services, Student Financial Aid, Ohio State University

About the Authors

Mark Kantrowitz is Senior Vice President and Publisher of Edvisors.com, a group of web sites about planning and paying for college. Mark is a nationally recognized expert on student financial aid, scholarships and student loans.

David Levy is Associate Editor of Edvisors.com. David is a 30-year veteran director of financial aid at some of the nation's leading colleges, including Scripps College, the California Institute of Technology and Occidental College.