St. Luke's School

Obtain a FAFSA
Although students cannot submit the FAFSA before January 1, it is worthwhile for families to begin familiarizing themselves with the four-page, approximately 100 question form. Students may obtain a copy from their high school guidance counselor, the financial aid office at local colleges, or through the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Begin Gathering Financial Information
To complete the FAFSA, families will need documents that provide income and asset information. Refer to the FAFSA for a list of documents, including W-2 forms and tax returns that will be necessary.

Complete the FAFSA
Families should be familiar with the FAFSA and armed with most records needed to complete it. A tax return of the most recent year is helpful, but families may estimate their information to ensure they meet the earliest submission deadline. Also, remember to read all instructions carefully since most mistakes are made by misreading directions.

Photocopy the FAFSA and Submit Before Earliest Deadline
Don't forget to keep a copy of the completed FAFSA along with all other college financial aid documents; families sometimes need these records later in the process. Be sure to submit the FAFSA and other required forms before the earliest or "priority" deadline for individual colleges. This allows students to receive maximum consideration for aid and minimizes any risk of receiving less or no aid at all. Once submitted, all colleges listed on the FAFSA will receive a student’s information electronically.

Notify Financial Aid Administrators (FAA) of Special Circumstances
While the FAFSA takes a snapshot of families' finances, there are circumstances the form may not reflect. Families should contact FAAs to alert them to any special financial circumstances, such as unusual medical expenses or unemployment, which may affect their ability to pay for college.

Review Student Aid Report (SAR)
Four to six weeks after completing the FAFSA, students will receive a SAR, which summarizes data on the FAFSA and indicates the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Families should make sure the SAR is correct, if not, they should make changes and return it to the address provided. Colleges will receive any changes electronically.

Submit Verification Materials
When students are selected for verification, they must submit federal tax returns and other requested information to confirm data provided on the FAFSA. Promptly submitting verification will prevent a delay in processing a student’s financial aid applications.

EARLY DECISION/ACTION APPLICANTS
Students with financial need who apply early decision or early action in the fall of their senior year should submit at the same time the CSS Profile, which is available online via collegeboard.com or in paper form from the college counselor.