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FAFSA Step-by-Step

 

Filling out the FAFSA

Filling out the FAFSA for the first time may seem daunting, but it’s not as hard as it may seem. Follow these steps.

  • Collect parent Federal Income Tax Forms. If your parents are divorced or separated, read this to determine which parent’s IRS forms you should collect.

    We recommend that you use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DTR) to avoid mistakes in filling out your FAFSA. The IRS Data Retrieval Tool transfers tax return information directly into the FAFSA. 

    Watch a video about the Data Retrieval Tool
     

     

  • First time college applicants and parents of dependents are both required to apply for a Personal Identification Number (PIN). This will allow you and your parent access to the FAFSA. You and your parent should each have your own PIN. Keep your PIN safe, as you’ll use it each year to apply for aid and access your online financial aid records.

    If your parents are divorced or separated and you’re not sure which parent should request a PIN, read “Who’s My Parent When I Fill Out the FAFSA Form?”. It will also help you determine who is your “parent” for FAFSA purposes if you’re living with a grandparent, aunt or other guardian.

    Watch this video about applying for your FAFSA ID.

    Apply for your PIN

  • Have your PIN and your parent’s PIN handy, along with social security numbers, tax returns and bank statements for your parents and you (if applicable), and any brokerage statements.  

    Complete the FAFSA and submit. Miles College Code is 001028. The government will determine what aid you are eligible for based on your completed FAFSA and will inform Miles College.

    You don’t have to complete the FAFSA right away. You can save it and use your PIN to return to it another day if you don’t have all the information you need. 


    Transfer Students:  If you have attended another institution, the Office of Financial Aid must receive valid financial aid transcript data via the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) from all post-secondary institutions you attended. Review your financial aid history to better understand your federal student loan indebtedness, by logging into the NSLDS website.

     

    After You Submit Your FAFSA

     

    Watch this quick overview of what happens after you fill out your FAFSA.

     

    After you’ve submitted your FAFSA, keep checking your email for updates. We’ll let you know if we need documents from you for verification. Please provide the information promptly or contact the office of financial aid for clarification.