Importance of Completing FAFSA Before March 2nd

Why Do I Have to Complete it By March 2?

It is importance to submit your FAFSA by March 2nd  for two reasons: to qualify for a Cal Grant and to get first dibs on financial aid, grants, and work study opportunities. Just think of it this way–the earlier to turn in your FAFSA, the more money you will have a chance of getting. In other words, if you snooze, you lose. This is because FAFSA is given out on a first come first serve basis. Students that wait until Iafter March 2nd to file their FAFSA may receive less aid than they would have if they filed I before March 2nd because they miss out on the opportunity to receive Cal Grants and students who filed by March 2nd get priority.

What Documents Do I Need to Fill Out FAFSA?

• Your Social Security Number
• Your Parents’ Social Security Numbers (if not filing as an independent)
• Your Parents’ Income Tax Forms

Where Do I Go to File My FAFSA?

You can log onto http://www.fafsa.gov to fill out your FAFSA application. Although income taxes are not due until April, you will need to ask your parents to prepare their income tax information as soon as possible. They do not have to file their income tax information until April as long as you check the “Will File” option.

Need Help Filling Out your FAFSA?

You will never know if you qualify for financial aid if you do not apply! Do not be intimidated by the application. It looks daunting but there are many resources out there available to aid you in filling out your FAFSA. Visit your schools financial aid office. Many schools hold workshops where you can work one on one with trained financial aid representatives and fill out your FAFSA. So what are you waiting for? Early bird gets the worm.

Related Posts

1. FAFSA Deadline Nears, March 2 For Priority

2. FAFSA Q&A Session at Cranford High School

3. Sharpen Your Pencils, FAFSA Is Online!

4. New Hampshire Organization Assists Parents and Students with FAFSA Forms

5. Understanding the FAFSA

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Tags: 2011-2012 School Year, cal grants, fafsa, Financial Aid, Income Tax Forms, March 2nd Priority Deadline, Money, Social Security Number

4 Responses to “Importance of Completing FAFSA Before March 2nd”

1. Herman Gonzalez says:

   February 21, 2011 at 5:36 pm

   Thanks for the reminder. I have been putting the FAFSA off, but I didn’t realize how important that March 2nd deadline was. Thanks for the reminder!
2. Nohel says:

   February 21, 2011 at 5:42 pm

   @Herman- The March 2nd deadline isn’t the end all be all date, but it does help you be eligible for most of what you can be eligible for. After that, you can still apply for the FAFSA, you just won’t be considered for the Cal Grants.
3. Tupac Lives says:

   February 21, 2011 at 5:45 pm

   hmmmm march 2nd sux if you ask me
4. yesenia says:

   February 21, 2011 at 5:47 pm

   hey herman… don’t sweat it…I forgot about it last year and I still got my full award from financial aid. But definitely try and get it in by them…it can’t hurt

   kbye.