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If you have access to the Internet, you should use FAFSA on the Web. FAFSA on the Web submits your data directly to the U.S. Department of Education's Central Processing System
(CPS). The CPS will process your application within 72 hours. It's a good idea to complete a paper FAFSA first so when you start working on the computer, you'll have all the information you need to input at your fingertips. Also, frequently save your application information to a diskette in case you lose your Internet connection, using the Save button at the bottom of each screen. Be sure to keep a printout of your application.
FAFSA Express - If you can't use FAFSA on the Web, you may still be able to apply electronically by using FAFSA Express. FAFSA Express is a free software program that allows you to apply for federal student aid from your home computer or from a computer at a central location like a high school, postsecondary school, public library, or local Educational Opportunity Center that uses FAFSA Express. FAFSA Express can be used only on a personal computer equipped with the Windows® operating system and a modem.
If you wish to apply using FAFSA Express, you can download a copy of the program from the U.S. Department of Education's Web site. The address is
www.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP/Students/apply/fexpress.html
If you want your school to submit your application electronically, you must check with your school or the school that interests you to make sure that it offers this option.
If you would like to apply by mailing a paper FAFSA, you can get one from your high school, local library or postsecondary school, or from the Federal Student Aid Information Center.
Help in completing the FAFSA is available from the Department of Education's Web site at
www.ed.gov/prog-info/SFA/FAFSA
If you apply using FAFSA on the Web, help in completing the application is built into the program. Help is also available at www.ed.gov/prog-info/SFA/FAFSA. You can also contact the toll-free number of the Federal Student Aid Information Center with your FAFSA questions
Read the instructions carefully when you complete the FAFSA or the Renewal FAFSA. Most mistakes are made because students don't follow instructions. Pay special attention to any questions on income, because most errors occur in this area.
Application Submission Deadline
The application processor must receive your application by July 1, 2002 for the 2001-2002 school year.
THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS DEADLINE.
Apply as soon AFTER January 1, 2001 as you can. (Do not sign, date, or send your application before this date.)
If you want to apply through FAFSA on the Web, you can apply beginning January 2, 2001. Schools set deadlines by which students must apply for aid from the programs that the school administers. These school deadlines, and deadlines for state aid, are often early in the calendar year. Students must meet these deadlines to receive certain types of funds, including Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Work-Study, and Federal Perkins Loan program funds. Check with your school's financial aid administrator to find out what the deadlines are.
No matter how you apply, be sure you don't submit-or even date-the FAFSA before January 1, 2001.
Keep in mind that the deadlines for college admission and those for financial aid are usually different. Be sure to meet the earliest filing deadline for all the colleges you're considering. Also, find out if the deadline is the postmarked date or the received date.
Student Aid Repot (SAR) Submission
Your correct, complete application information must be at your school by your last day of enrollment in 2001-2002 or by September 3, 2002 whichever is earlier (see your financial aid administrator). If your school has not received your application information electronically, you must submit your SAR to the school by the appropriate deadline. Be sure you know your last day of enrollment in 2001-2002, it may be earlier than September 3.
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