So much paperwork, so little time.
Unfortunately, filling out paperwork is a huge part of preparing for college.
The good news is there’s a shiny pot of gold at the end of the college-search rainbow called financial aid. But, instead of a scary leprechaun, the only thing standing between you and financial aid is a few forms. And Wes Craven never made a movie about that.
We put together a list of the most important applications to help maximize your time while determining what needs to get done. So, start tackling these forms today and wait for that sweet, sweet green to pour in.
Important Financial Aid Forms
Receive Financial Aid Through the Admissions Application
You know the CommonApp as that very important form you need to fill out for counselors to determine your eligibility for college.
But a college application is also a gateway to receiving a financial aid decision — so long as you get accepted and file the FAFSA.
The CommonApp allows students to apply to multiple colleges at once. Check to see if the colleges or universities you’re interested in are listed here.
You can also visit the websites of each college and use their specific application form. The College of Saint Rose offers a Fast App and it only takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
File the FAFSA Form
This is a big one. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is how a college or university determines how much aid you should receive.
The FAFSA opens October 1 of each year and involves gaining information about your household income. View our guide on how to file the FAFSA form to help you (and your parents) prepare.
File the FAFSA here.
The Financial Aid King is also ready to help you navigate the FAFSA process and learn to make a microwaveable chocolate cake at the same time in episode three of Cooking Up Financial Aid with the Financial Aid King.
How can you lose? Mmmmm. Cake. And free money.
College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile or Other Institutional Applications
Not all colleges require this, but the College Scholarship Service (CSS) form or similar form can help private colleges determine the non-government based aid you should receive.
Don’t waste time creating a CSS profile for a school that doesn’t require one (as if?!).
Check your school’s code here.
Once you know, complete your CSS profile here.
New York State Grant Application
In the great state of New York, the state grant application is known as TAP, but other states call it different things. Google can help find your state’s equivalent.
Filling out a state grant application is how you will receive financial assistance from your state government. And you can find a link to the state application form on the confirmation page of the FAFSA after you fill it out, so don’t be so quick to close that browser.
It’s most convenient to complete the FAFSA and your state aid application at the same time. For your state application, you will need your state tax forms.
Work-Study Application
There’s additional work-study paperwork that everyone should fill out — regardless of socioeconomic status.
Check with your financial aid counselor about the work-study application. And, if you receive work-study, TAKE IT! You will have time to complete homework, chill with friends, and put in a couple of hours at work. Get that pocket money, OKAY?
The most paperwork you’ll end up doing is if you get selected for verification after submitting the FAFSA.
The verification process is like an audit. Getting selected for verification does not mean you have done anything wrong or that you will not receive financial aid, but it does mean you have to prove the information you provided.
Learn more about the specific forms required for work-study opportunities at Saint Rose.
So, there’s some work ahead of you, but it’s worth it in the end. We promise.
