b'45Seven Steps to Conquer the FAFSA#1 #4Choose your filing method. Follow these tips. There are three ways to complete your FAFSA:The IRS Data Retrieval Tool is the easiest way to provide your Paying for College Complete the form online at www.studentaid.gov/h/tax data. This tool electronically imports tax return information apply-for-aid/fafsa (this is the recommended filing method). from the IRS to the FAFSA.Download a PDF of the form from www.studentaid.gov/ You may designate up to twenty colleges to which you wouldresources, complete it, and submit it by mail. like your online FAFSA sent. List a college in Pennsylvania firstRequest a paper copy of the FAFSA by calling 1-800-433-3243 in order to be considered for state aid.or TTY 1-800-730-8913, complete it, and submit it by mail.#5#2 Submit your FAFSA as early as possible, Set up your Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID).beginning in December 2024.Log on to www.studentaid.gov and click on the link toSince some financial aid is limited and awarded on a first-come, create your FSA ID. You will be prompted to: first-served basis, the sooner you submit your FAFSA, the Select a username and password. sooner it will be processed. Submitting the FAFSA early will Enter your email address, name, date of birth, Social Security put you in the best position to receive the maximum amountNumber, contact information, and security challenge questions of financial aid for which you may be eligible.and answers.Check for any FAFSA deadlines at each school to which you Review your information, and accept the sites terms are applying, and confirm that each received it in advanceand conditions. of that deadline. Confirm your email address using a secure code, which is sentto the email address you entered when you created your FSA ID. Your parent/guardian will also need a separate FSA ID. If they, or#6another dependent, applied in the past, they already have one.Prepare to provide income verification.Parents do not need a Social Security Number for an FSA ID. You may be asked to verify the income information which you provided on the FAFSA by supplying copies of documentation. #3Check your mail and email frequently for any follow-upcommunications related to the FAFSA and respond promptly.Organize your paperwork. (Note: if you use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool discussed above,You will need the following documents and information: you are less likely to be asked to provide income verification). Your Social Security Number;Expect to be asked for verification if your parents didnt file taxes. Your alien registration number (if you are not a U.S. citizen); Your drivers license number (if you have one); The most recent federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other #7records of money earned by you and your parents; Review your FAFSA Submission Records of 2023 untaxed income (such as Social Security Summary (FSS).or public assistance) for you and your parents (if applicable); Shortly after you submit your FAFSA signed with your FSA ID, The most recent bank statements for you and your parents, your FSS will be available online. It summarizes the information and records of investments (if applicable); and you provided on your FAFSA and lists your Student Aid Your FSA ID, and your parents/guardians FSA ID, which you Index (SAI).will use to sign the forms electronically.Penn State University'