WHEN TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

For the 2011-12 school year, you can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 1, 2011. The best time to apply is by April 1, 2011 (for the 2011-2012 school year). You can complete the FAFSA at any time during the school year, but keep in mind there are deadlines that may eliminate you from eligibility for certain grants and scholarships.

Financial Aid from the U.S. Department of Education

The official FAFSA is at www.FAFSA.gov – not at a .com Web site. If you go to a .com site, you will probably be asked to pay to submit the FAFSA. Remember, the first F in "FAFSA" stands for "free" – so use the official government site to submit your application.

If you have any questions, or require additional information on student financial assistance, you should contact your high school guidance counselor if you are currently in high school, the financial aid administrator at the postsecondary school you plan to attend, or the Federal Student Aid Information Center.