FAQs

A: FAFSA stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is a form that students in the United States fill out to determine their eligibility for financial aid for college, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans.

A: Any student planning to attend college should complete the FAFSA. Even if you think your family’s income is too high to qualify for aid, many states and colleges use the FAFSA to award non-federal aid and scholarships.

A: The FAFSA form is normally available on October 1st each year for the following academic year. It’s best to submit it as soon as possible because some financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For the 2025-2026 the full launch will be Dec 1, 2024 or later.

A: You will need your Social Security number, your parents' Social Security numbers (if you are a dependent), your driver’s license number (if you have one), your Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen), federal tax information or tax returns, records of untaxed income, and information on cash, savings, and checking account balances.

A: You can complete the FAFSA online at fafsa.ed.gov, or via the myStudentAid mobile app. The online application is the quickest and most efficient way to submit your form.

A: After submitting your FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) summarizing the information you provided. Review it for accuracy. Colleges you listed on your FAFSA will use your SAR to determine your eligibility for financial aid. They will then send you a financial aid award letter detailing the types and amounts of aid you can receive.

A: Yes, you need to complete the FAFSA every year you are in school and want to receive financial aid. Each year’s form becomes available on October 1st for the following academic year.

A: If your family’s financial situation changes significantly, such as a job loss or medical expenses, contact the financial aid office at your college. They may be able to adjust your financial aid package based on your new circumstances.

A: You can get help from your high school counselor, the financial aid office at your college, or by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). There are also many online resources and guides available to assist you.

R: FAFSA significa Free Application for Federal Student Aid (Solicitud Gratuita de Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes). Es un formulario que los estudiantes deben completar para ser considerados para la ayuda financiera federal, incluyendo becas, préstamos y programas de estudio y trabajo.

R: Todos los estudiantes que planean asistir a la universidad o escuela técnica y desean recibir ayuda financiera federal deben completar el FAFSA. Esto incluye a ciudadanos estadounidenses, residentes permanentes y ciertos estudiantes internacionales.

R: El FAFSA se abre el 1 de octubre de cada año para el siguiente año académico. Es recomendable completarlo lo antes posible, ya que algunas ayudas financieras se otorgan por orden de llegada.

R: Necesitarás tu número de Seguro Social, declaraciones de impuestos federales, registros de ingresos no sujetos a impuestos, saldos de efectivo, cuentas de ahorro y corrientes, y cualquier otro recurso financiero disponible.

R: El FAFSA se completa en línea en el sitio web fafsa.gov. Sigue las instrucciones proporcionadas y asegúrate de revisar tu información antes de enviarla. También puedes usar la aplicación móvil myStudentAid.

R: Después de enviar tu FAFSA, recibirás un Student Aid Report (SAR) que resume tu información. Las universidades que listaste en tu solicitud utilizarán esta información para determinar tu elegibilidad para la ayuda financiera. Luego te enviarán cartas de oferta de ayuda financiera.

R: Sí, debes completar el FAFSA cada año que estés en la universidad y quieras recibir ayuda financiera federal. La aplicación para cada año académico se abre el 1 de octubre del año anterior.

R: Si la situación financiera de tu familia cambia significativamente, contacta a la oficina de ayuda financiera de tu universidad. Ellos podrán ajustar tu paquete de ayuda financiera basado en tus nuevas circunstancias.

R: Puedes obtener ayuda de tu consejero escolar, la oficina de ayuda financiera de tu universidad, o a través de recursos en línea en el sitio web fafsa.gov. Muchas universidades también ofrecen talleres y asistencia individual para completar el FAFSA.

A: TASFA stands for the Texas Application for State Financial Aid. It is a form used by Texas students who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA to apply for state financial aid. This includes non-citizens and certain resident aliens.

A: Students who are not eligible to apply for federal financial aid through the FAFSA, typically including undocumented students and certain international students who are Texas residents, should complete the TASFA.

A: The TASFA should be submitted as soon as possible after normally October 1st each year for the following academic year. Deadlines vary by college, so check with your institution for specific submission dates. This year the Federal government has delayed the roll out to Dec. 1, 2024.

A: You will need your and your parents' tax information, records of untaxed income, information on cash, savings, and checking account balances, and information on any other financial resources.

A: The TASFA is a paper application that must be completed and submitted to the financial aid office of the college or university you plan to attend. Some institutions may also accept an electronic version.

A: After submitting your TASFA, the financial aid office at your college will review your application to determine your eligibility for state and institutional financial aid. They will then notify you of the types and amounts of aid you can receive.

A: Yes, you need to complete the TASFA every year you are in school and want to receive state financial aid. Each year’s form becomes available on October 1st for the following academic year.

A: If your family’s financial situation changes significantly, contact the financial aid office at your college. They may be able to adjust your financial aid package based on your new circumstances.

A: You can get help from your high school counselor, the financial aid office at your college, or through various community organizations that assist students with the TASFA. Many colleges also offer workshops and one-on-one assistance for completing the TASFA.

R: TASFA significa Texas Application for State Financial Aid (Solicitud de Ayuda Financiera Estatal de Texas). Es un formulario utilizado por los estudiantes de Texas que no son elegibles para completar el FAFSA para solicitar ayuda financiera estatal. Esto incluye a estudiantes no ciudadanos y ciertos residentes extranjeros.

R: Los estudiantes que no son elegibles para solicitar ayuda financiera federal a través del FAFSA, típicamente incluyendo a estudiantes indocumentados y ciertos estudiantes internacionales que son residentes de Texas, deben completar el TASFA.

R: El TASFA debe ser presentado tan pronto como sea posible después del 1 de octubre cada año para el año académico siguiente. Las fechas límite varían según la universidad, por lo que es importante verificar con tu institución para conocer las fechas específicas de presentación.

R: Necesitarás la información fiscal tuya y de tus padres, registros de ingresos no sujetos a impuestos, información sobre saldos de efectivo, ahorros y cuentas corrientes, y cualquier otro recurso financiero disponible.

R: El TASFA es una solicitud en papel que debe completarse y enviarse a la oficina de ayuda financiera de la universidad a la que planeas asistir. Algunas instituciones también pueden aceptar una versión electrónica del formulario.

R: Después de enviar tu TASFA, la oficina de ayuda financiera de tu universidad revisará tu solicitud para determinar tu elegibilidad para la ayuda financiera estatal e institucional. Luego te notificarán los tipos y cantidades de ayuda que puedes recibir.

R: Sí, debes completar el TASFA cada año que estés en la universidad y quieras recibir ayuda financiera estatal. El formulario de cada año se hace disponible el 1 de octubre para el año académico siguiente.

R: Si la situación financiera de tu familia cambia significativamente, contacta a la oficina de ayuda financiera de tu universidad. Ellos podrán ajustar tu paquete de ayuda financiera basado en tus nuevas circunstancias.

R: Puedes obtener ayuda de tu consejero escolar, la oficina de ayuda financiera de tu universidad, o a través de varias organizaciones comunitarias que asisten a los estudiantes con el TASFA. Muchas universidades también ofrecen talleres y asistencia individual para completar el TASFA.

A: It's recommended to start preparing your college application during your junior year of high school. This gives you ample time to research colleges, gather necessary materials, and complete any required standardized tests.

A: College applications generally require:

A: ApplyTexas is an online application platform that allows students to apply to public and many private colleges and universities in Texas. It functions similarly to the Common App, making it easier to apply to multiple institutions within the state using one application.

A: The Common Application, or "Common App," is an online application platform that allows students to apply to multiple colleges with a single application. It simplifies the application process and is accepted by many colleges in the United States and other countries.

A: Choose people who know you well and can speak positively about your skills, achievements, and character. This could include teachers, school counselors, coaches, or employers. Be sure to ask them well in advance.

A: It's recommended to apply to a mix of colleges: a few "safety" schools where you are likely to be admitted, several "match" schools where your qualifications align well with the average admitted student, and a few "reach" schools where admission is less certain but you would be thrilled to attend.

A: Early decision is a binding agreement where you commit to attending a college if you are accepted, and you can only apply to one school under this plan. Early action is non-binding, allowing you to apply early and receive an admission decision sooner without committing to attend. Both options typically have earlier deadlines than regular decision applications.

A: Personal essays are very important as they provide an opportunity to showcase your personality, experiences, and writing skills. They help admissions officers understand who you are beyond your grades and test scores.

A: Your personal essay should reflect who you are, your experiences, and your goals. Be authentic and honest, and try to provide a unique perspective that will help you stand out. Focus on specific experiences that have shaped you and how they have prepared you for college.

A: To strengthen your application:

A: Many colleges offer fee waivers for students who demonstrate financial need. You can request a fee waiver through the Common App, Apply Texas or directly from the college's admissions office. Talk to your school counselor for assistance.

A: The timeline for receiving admission decisions varies by college. Early decision and early action applicants usually hear back by December, while regular decision applicants typically receive notifications between March and April. Be sure to check each college’s specific timeline.

A: After receiving your admission decisions:

A: A scholarship is a financial award given to a student to help pay for their education. Scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria set by the scholarship provider.

A: Scholarships can be found through various sources, including:

A: It's best to start looking for scholarships as early as possible, ideally during your junior year of high school. Some scholarships are available to younger students, and others have deadlines that fall well before the start of the college academic year.

A: Each scholarship has its own application process, but generally, you will need to:

A: To write a strong scholarship essay:

A: Letters of recommendation are often a crucial part of scholarship applications. They provide insight into your character, achievements, and potential from someone who knows you well. Choose recommenders who can speak positively about your abilities and accomplishments.

A: Yes, there are many scholarships that consider factors other than GPA, such as community service, leadership, extracurricular activities, or financial need. It's important to look for scholarships that align with your strengths and background.

A: Yes, many scholarships are available for students pursuing specific fields of study or career interests. Professional associations, corporations, and foundations often offer scholarships for students entering particular professions or academic disciplines.

A: If you win a scholarship:

A: Yes, it's possible to lose a scholarship if you fail to meet the requirements set by the scholarship provider, such as maintaining a certain GPA, enrolling in a specific number of credit hours, or continuing in the designated field of study. Be sure to understand and comply with all the terms and conditions of your scholarship.

A: To stay organized: