• Home
• General Info
• Application Process
• FAFSA Tips
• Undergraduate Information
• Graduate Info
• Rights/ Responsibilities
• Progress Policy
• Alternative Financing
• Application Checklist
• FAQ's
• Loan Management
• WWU Budgets
• Financial Aid Info
• Online Forms
• Links
• Contact Us

Tips for Completing the 2008-2009 FAFSA

The following information is provided to help you avoid some of the frequent errors that are made when completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Renewal FAFSA: If you receive a renewal FAFSA from the federal processor, you may complete this form online or with the paper version that was mailed to you. Make sure you only complete one or the other.

FAFSA on the Web: Did you know that the fastest, most accurate way to file your FAFSA is over the internet? You can begin the process now by logging on to http://www.pin.ed.gov to obtain your Federal PIN. If you are a dependent student, both you and your parents can get a Federal PIN which will serve as your signatures on the FAFSA. Next, go to the FAFSA online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov anytime on or after January 1, 2007

Priority Deadline: To meet the priority deadline for WWU, you must mail or electronically submit the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA to the federal processor by February 15, 2007. However, do not sign, mail, or submit your form before January 1, 2008.

Tips to avoid frequent FAFSA errors

1. Read the directions carefully. While the FAFSA can seem confusing at first, detailed instructions are provided for most questions. If you are unsure about something, please feel free to contact the federal processor or our office for clarification.
2. Round off all figures to the nearest dollar.
3. Provide income information directly from your federal tax return. If you are using estimated figures, be as accurate as possible.
4. Many students misreport income taxes on the FAFSA. Use income tax actually paid, not W-2 withholdings.
5. Adjusted gross income (AGI) and income tax figures often get confused. Generally, the AGI will not be the same as your income tax.
6. Divorced or remarried parents may refer to the detailed instructions available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov to help determine the parental information to include on the FAFSA. Stepparent information is required if your parent is remarried.
7. Worksheets A, B, and C are availalbe at www.fafsa.ed.gov/worksheet.htm to help with reporting untaxed income and income exclusions. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure accurate reporting.
8. Household size and number in college are often misreported. If you are independent, your household size includes yourself, your spouse, and any children who receive more than half of their support from you. If you are dependent, include yourself, your parents, and your parent's other children if they receive more than half of their support from your parents.

Other Important Tips

1. Follow our Financial Aid Checklist available online to help you navigate through the many steps and important dates to ensure your financial aid notification letter is delivered to you on time!
2. Complete an application for admission to WWU. Contact the Admissions Office at (360) 650-3440 or on the web at http://admissions.wwu.edu/ for additional information.
3. Review the Financial Aid Letter which will be sent to you by the Financial Aid Department. Sign and return a copy to our office.
4. Maintain a personal financial aid file for your records and keep copies of all documents.
5. Keep your address current with the Registrar's Office by going online at http://www.wwu.edu/web4u/
6. The FAFSA is free! When filling out your FAFSA, be careful to navigate to the U.S. Department of Education's website rather than a for-profit organization that may charge a fee to fill out the Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA). Go to http://fafsa.ed.gov to navigate directly to the FAFSA website.
7. Always be prepared to begin classes with some of your own funds even if you expect to receive financial aid.