When completing the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance, FAFSA, a determination is made based on federal regulations of whether or not parental data and signatures are required. If you are required to provide parental information, but cannot do so, discuss your situation with a Financial Aid Advisor.

The FAFSA also requires that information for the prior tax year be reported. If there has been a documentable change in the financial circumstances of the student or the student’s family since the FAFSA was filed, discuss your situation with a Financial Aid Advisor.

1. If you have not previously done so, complete a Waubonsee New Student Information Form and select an academic program that leads to a degree or certificate.  You must be in a degree or certificate program to receive financial aid.
2. If you have attended another college or university and taken credit classes, have your academic transcripts sent to Waubonsee Community College.  Also, complete a Transcript Evaluation Review Form (TERF) for each previous school that you have attended.
3. Complete your federal tax returns.  If you are applying as a dependent student, your parents should also complete their federal tax returns.  Save copies of all tax returns.
4. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov for the appropriate year. Spring 2010 and summer 2010 are part of the 2009-2010 year; fall 2010 begins the 2010-2011 year. Include the Waubonsee school code, 006931. The priority date for submitting your FAFSA for fall, 2010 is April 1, 2010. April 1 will allow time for you to submit any other documents required and for you to have funds available by the start of the fall semester.
5. Review the information on Student Aid Report that you receive as a result of filing the FAFSA and correct any errors.
6. Respond to any correspondence from the Financial Aid Office that requests additional information to complete your application.
   Additional information can include tax returns.
7. Review the award letter and decide if you will accept any loans that are included in the financial aid offered. If you are accepting loans, you will be required to complete an Entrance Interview and a Master Promissory Note.