APPLY! APPLY! APPLY!

Now that you understand the basics of financial aid and the types for which you may be eligible, how do you get your hands on the aid that you need? The answer is to APPLY!

You are not obligated to accept any financial aid until you receive the funds, so there is no harm in applying. We always recommend reviewing the eligibility requirements and, if you know you are not eligible, do not waste valuable time applying. However, if you are not sure you will be eligible, APPLY ANYWAY! You can also seek assistance from the Financial Aid Office at the college you want to attend to get more information on eligibility.

The following information will help you understand the application process and help you get the ball rolling.

FAFSA is the KEY!

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the key that opens the door to financial aid. Even if you are not sure that you will need financial aid, we recommend that you fill out a FAFSA anyway - it's FREE. We recommend that you complete the FAFSA online. In contrast to a hardcopy, only the directions and data-entry fields you need to complete are displayed. You also get directions as you need them. You have to print the signature page, so you need a printer. You sign the signature page, along with at least one parent if you are dependent, or your spouse if you are married. You can also use the convenient PIN option to sign the FAFSA without using paper.

If you prefer to fill out a paper copy of the FAFSA, you can get one at a high school guidance office, college financial aid office, a public library, or by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center at (800) 4-FED-AID.

The FAFSA may not be the only form you need in order to receive an award letter from a school. You must also complete the admissions process. Check the schools' web sites or their financial aid materials for more information.

After you complete your FAFSA, look for your Student Aid Report (SAR) in the mail after about 2 to 3 weeks. The SAR is your FAFSA results. Be sure to read it immediately, and follow any directions it has. The schools you list on the FAFSA will also receive results.

You may log onto GAcollege411's FAFSA Transfer Module to have your name, address, and other information entered automatically for you on the FAFSA on the Web. You then complete the rest of the FAFSA online with income, family size, and other information. You may also go directly to FAFSA on the Web and bypass the Transfer Module if you want to make all the entries yourself.

Scholarships & Grants

The Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) is responsible for administering student financial aid programs provided by the State of Georgia including the HOPE Scholarship & Grant Programs. Many programs administered by GSFC can be applied for online or by downloading a paper application. For more information, or to apply for scholarships and grants administered by GSFC now, check out our Scholarships & Grants Applications section.

For scholarships awarded by the school, you must complete their applications. There may be a separate application for each scholarship, or you may apply for multiple scholarships on one form. Check the school's web site or financial aid materials for more information.

For scholarships that interest you that are not provided by GSFC or your college, you need to research the application procedures and be sure to note the deadlines. We suggest using our Financial Aid Search tool to learn more about these scholarships or visit your high school counselor's office.

Student Loans

The Financial Aid Award letter provided to you by your school of choice outlines the types of financial aid for which you have qualified. The application process may vary depending on the type of loan for which you are applying. For more information on applying for student loans or to download an application check out our Loan Applications section.

Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note - If you are taking out a subsidized or unsubsidized Stafford Loan, you must complete the Master Promissary Note (MPN) before your funds can be disbursed. If you have already signed an MPN, you may not need to sign another one. For some schools, you must sign an MPN each academic year. The MPN is your promise to repay and is a legal document. The MPN is normally sent to you. You may have a Federal Stafford Loan MPN or a Direct Stafford/Ford Loan MPN, depending upon your school.

PLUS Application/Promissory Note - If your parent wishes to take out a PLUS Loan, there is a separate Master Promissary Note (MPN) to complete. You must be a dependent undergraduate student for your parent to take out a PLUS Loan. The PLUS Loan may be sent to you or your parents. You may have to request one from the school or lender. Your parent may be asked to grant permission for the school to provide the student with disbursement amounts that are greater than the tuition and fees and other school charges. Your parent may have a Federal PLUS Loan MPN or a Direct PLUS Loan MPN, depending upon your school.

Federal Perkins Loan Promissory Note - If you are awarded a Perkins Loan, your school will send a promissory note. The note is your promise to repay and is a legal instrument.

Helpful Hints for Applying

1. Be sure to complete all required forms by deadlines.
2. Complete all questions accurately; estimate if necessary to meet early deadlines.
3. Don't wait until you are admitted to file the FAFSA.
4. Keep a photocopy of all documents for your records.
5. Use your full legal name, no nicknames, on all applications.
6. The name on your application must match the name on your Social Security card.

Ready for the next step?

Proceed to Loan Options.