Seniors and senior parents: Apply for your FAFSA PIN today!
The PIN is the code that the U.S. Dept. of Ed. uses to identify you online. Visit www.pin.ed.gov (there is a link to the right).
A PIN allows you to electronically sign your FAFSA, check status, and make changes.  Keep your PIN private as it allow you (or someone else) to electronically sign federal documents and access confidential information.
 
FAFSA--What is it?
FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  The federal government uses this form to determine your eligibility for financial aid, which includes:  grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.

Paper FAFSA forms are no longer made available to high schools. Students are encouraged to file the FAFSA via the web at www.FAFSA.ed.gov. If a paper FAFSA is needed, students will be able to obtain a copy by calling 1.800.433.3243 or by visiting www.edpubs.org.  The government must receive your FAFSA by March 1st.  Your prospective college will try to meet your financial need through aid made up of funds from federal, state, school, and private sources.

EFC stands for Expected Family Contribution. Your family must contribute this amount in the coming academic year to your college costs, per the government’s calculation.
 
Everything you need to know about FAFSA on the Web!
By applying via the website (www.fafsa.ed.gov), results will be available seven to fourteen days sooner than if a paper application is mailed.  The website is interactive, easy to navigate, and contains extensive online help.  Students are asked only the questions they need to answer; questions that do not apply are skipped, making the Internet application quicker to fill out than the paper form.

The Personal Identification Number (PIN) is the code that the U.S. Department of Education uses to identify you online.  A PIN allows you to do the following on a FAFSA:

• Electronically sign to speed up the process

• Check the status
• Make corrections
• Fill out an online renewal form next year

To obtain a PIN, eligible students AND parents can visit www.pin.ed.gov (students and parents should each receive their own PIN).  Click on “Apply for PIN” near the top of the page.  Allow four hours for instructions to be sent via e-mail.

Guard your PIN!  The PIN allows anyone to electronically sign federal student aid forms and access your info.  To change, cancel or retrieve a duplicate PIN:  visit:  www.pin.ed.gov.