Tips for Filling out the FAFSA

Before you begin the FAFSA | 2011-12 and 2012-13

Antes de presentar la FAFSA | 2011-12

Completing the FAFSA Application

Make sure your name and Social Security number on the FAFSA exactly matches your Social Security card. Social Security number and name errors are frequent causes of processing delays. The federal aid processor uses your Social Security number to confirm your citizenship status, your registration with Selective Service (if you are male) and to check if you've received aid before.

Read | Read the FAFSA directions carefully, especially Step Three.

Ask | Problems in completing the FAFSA? Talk to the Financial Aid Office before you file the FAFSA

Respond | Respond to Portland State's requests for information. Processing your FAFSA will stop until you reply.

Your Date of Birth
Use the year of your birth, not the current year

Student Employment
You must answer yes if you want to be considered for Work-Study at Portland State.

Student Status
If you answer no to all of these questions, the student and parent sections of the FAFSA must be completed.

Graduate/Post-bac Students
Only Master's or Doctoral degree students should answer yes to the question "Will you be working on a master's or doctorate program?" Students admitted as postbaccalaureates should answer no to this question.

Legal Guardian
If you have a legal guardian, contact the Financial Aid Office before you complete these items.

Household Information
This can be complicated. The definitions are very specific to financial aid. Carefully read the instructions on the FAFSA to calculate your household size before answering these questions.

Adjusted Gross Income
It is best to use a completed federal tax return to answer these questions. If your tax return is not complete, use your W-2s and a blank tax form to estimate your adjusted gross income.

Income Tax Paid
Use the amounts found on your federal tax returns, not on the W-2 form. This is the actual income tax paid to the Internal Revenue Service, according to the tax tables.

List Portland State University on the FAFSA
Include your housing code. Portland State's Federal School Code: 003216

Signatures
The student must always sign the paper FAFSA application or electronically sign with a PIN if filing electronically. In addition, if parent information is required, then the parent also must sign the FAFSA or enter their PIN if filing electronically.