All About FAFSA: How Do I Add My Colleges?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a pivotal step in securing financial assistance for your college education. One of the essential aspects of completing the FAFSA is selecting the colleges or universities to which you want your financial information sent. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of adding colleges to your FAFSA and explain why it's a crucial step in securing your financial aid.
How to Add Colleges to Your FAFSA
Adding colleges to your FAFSA is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through it:
Step 1: Log In
Visit the official FAFSA website (fafsa.gov) and log in using your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID. If you haven't created an FSA ID yet, find out how to create one here.
Step 2: Start a New FAFSA
If you're filling out the FAFSA for the first time, select "Start New FAFSA" and follow the prompts. If you're returning to make changes or add colleges to an existing FAFSA, select "Log In" and choose the appropriate academic year.
Step 3: Add or Delete Colleges
In the "School Selection" section of the FAFSA, you'll see an option to add colleges. Enter the Federal School Code for each institution you want to receive your FAFSA information. You can add up to ten schools. If you need to add more later, you can make changes to your FAFSA after submission. You can look up your school’s code here.
Step 4: Review and Submit
After you've added your colleges, review the rest of your FAFSA information for accuracy. Once you're confident everything is correct, sign and submit your application electronically using your FSA ID. You'll receive a confirmation email once your FAFSA is successfully submitted.
Step 5: Follow Up with Colleges
After submitting your FAFSA, keep an eye on your email and any communication from the colleges you've listed. They will use your FAFSA data to determine your financial aid package and may request additional documentation or information.
Lastly, while the order of schools on your list doesn’t matter for federal student aid, some states require a specific order for you to be considered for state aid. You can check your state’s guidance here. Also, if you don’t see your school on FAFSA, it might mean your school doesn’t participate in FAFSA or is listed under a different name. In this case, call your school’s financial aid office to check and make sure.
Adding colleges to your FAFSA is a critical step in the financial aid application process. It opens the door to a range of opportunities for funding your education, from federal grants and loans to state and institutional scholarships. By following these steps and ensuring you've listed all the schools you're considering, you'll be well on your way to securing the financial support you need to pursue your higher education goals. Don't miss out on potential financial aid—add your colleges to your FAFSA today!
Not sure which schools to apply to? We can help you come up with a list through personal consultation sessions. Contact us and schedule your consultation today!
We’re not affiliated with the Department of Education or FAFSA.
Andrew Oh
Financial Aid Specialist at Navi Consulting
www.naviconsultingny.com
Hansuk “Hans” Kim, CLTC, LACP
Principal / Financial Services Professional
2023 Forbes’ 31st Ranked Financial Security Professional Best-In-State in NJ
(201) 388-5590
www.hskfinancial.com
