How do I fill out the Everett Community College financial aid application?

I'm planning to apply to Everett Community College and need some guidance on how to complete the financial aid application. Are there specific steps I need to follow or documents I should have ready? Any tips would be great!

Sure, I'd be glad to guide you through the financial aid application process for Everett Community College!

The first step in applying for financial aid at any college, including Everett Community College, is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA becomes available on October 1 each year, and it's generally best to complete it as soon as possible to maximize the amount of aid you may receive.

Before you get started, gather these documents:

1. Social Security numbers for you and your parents (if you're a dependent)

2. Federal income tax returns (the FAFSA will guide you on which year's tax return you should refer to)

3. W-2 forms, or other records of money earned

4. Records of other untaxed income received, such as welfare benefits, social security benefits, or veteran's benefits

5. Current bank statements and records of stocks, bonds, and other investments

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to complete the FAFSA:

1. Create a FSA ID: This serves as your legal signature.

2. Start a new FAFSA: Visit the official FAFSA website (www.fafsa.ed.gov) and click “Start A New FAFSA.”

3. School Selection: When you reach the “School Selection” section of the application, you’ll need to add Everett Community College's Federal School Code, which is 003776. This ensures Everett will receive your completed application.

4. Dependency Status: The next step is to determine your dependency status. If you're under 24, not married, have no children, and are not a veteran, you're generally considered a dependent. This means your parents' financial information will need to be included in your FAFSA.

5. Fill Out the Rest: The FAFSA will guide you to fill in your financial details, using the documents you gathered.

6. Sign and Submit: Before clicking submit, be sure to double-check all the information. Then, use your FSA ID to electronically sign your FAFSA.

Approximately 3-5 days after you’ve submitted your FAFSA, you should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). This is a summary of the information you provided on the FAFSA. Review it carefully, as financial aid administrators at Everett will be using this information to determine your eligibility for federal student aid.

Now that Everett Community College has your application, they will likely ask you to complete additional forms or submit additional documentation. Keep an eye on your application portal and email for these items.

I hope this helps! Completing the FAFSA is a big step in securing financial aid for college. Best of luck with your application, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions!