2009-2010 FAFSA

The first time you complete the FAFSA, you need to go to www.pin.ed.gov to get your PIN (Personal Identification Number - your electronic signature for the FAFSA on the Web). Parents of dependent students will need a Parent PIN so that they may electronically sign the FAFSA on the Web also. You may use this site to request a duplicate PIN if yours has been lost or forgotten.

Please complete your FAFSA with accurate data. We use the information you submit to calculate your financial aid eligibility for the upcoming academic year. Below are some questions which are sometimes overlooked:

• Baylor's school code - 003545

• Whether you plan to attend full-time, three quarter-time, half-time or less than half-time

• Your grade level in college in 2008-2009 based on total earned hours through spring 2009

• Signature for student AND parent if dependent

After you complete the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the Federal Processor. Please review your SAR carefully. If you find that an error has been made, you can make changes directly on the FAFSA website at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Most FAFSA data elements cannot be updated (for example: you spent the money you had in savings). Before making such changes, please contact one of our counselors. If you filed your FAFSA using estimated income, please be sure you update your 2009-2010 FAFSA once you finalize your tax return and your parent's tax return (if dependent). Also, be sure to update the tax filing status question for yourself and your parent (if dependent).

Dependent Student or Independent Student?

You can only be considered an independent student for financial aid purposes if you can answer yes to at least one of the dependency questions listed on the FAFSA.

Two important facts about dependency status:

• You may still be considered dependent for financial aid purposes even if you are not listed as a dependent on your parents' tax return.

• A parent's or stepparent's unwillingness or inability to contribute to your educational costs is not grounds to file the FAFSA as an independent student.

Sometimes there are instances that will allow financial aid professionals to override the dependency status of a student who cannot answer yes to any of the dependency questions.

If you believe your situation warrants a review, please contact our office to speak with a counselor.