FAFSA Preparation Tips

FAFSA is the Free Application For Federal Student Aid. Being well prepared for your FAFSA application will help save you time, ease your frustration and help you succeed with a smooth application process. Here are some important tips help you prepare for your FAFSA application.

1) Download a Free Guide
There is a lot of useful information online to assist you when doing a FAFSA. Use a free guide to get Step by Step Instructions on FAFSA, grants and other financial aid. The government Dept. of Education website is a useful resource with lots of information on student aid too.

2) Check your Eligibility for Aid
You can determine the eligibility by visiting the Government's Federal Student Aid Eligibility FAQ.

3) Get Your Document's In Order
This is very important. Having all your required documents handy before you begin the application will definitely ease the application process. You will need your driver's license, tax returns, Social Security Number, bank statements and investment records or any other documents you know you will need.

4) Print out the FAFSA Worksheet.
Get your FAFSA worksheet.

5) Get your FAFSA PIN (Personal Identification Number)
The most effective way to sign your FAFSA is to get your FAFSA PIN (Personal Identification Number) and sign electronically with this PIN. Alternatively, you can mail in the signature page.

6) Sign Electronically
You will speed up the process by signing your FAFSA electronically with your PIN and your parents can sign electronically too.

7) Do Not be Late!

Apply For your FAFSA Early!

Federal and State deadlines may differ. Be sure to review the federal and state deadlines for your application. Late applications will not be processed and by applying early you give yourself the time to complete any changes or requests for further information prior to the FAFSA deadlines.

Instantly download a free guide that provides step by step instructions for your FAFSA. Get all the information on eligible schools and FAFSA Deadlines as well as detailed information on thousands of top US colleges and schools right at your finger tips.

Educational Loans for Nursing School

With the rising tuition costs of health majors, especially nursing, it's no wonder many students are turning to student loans to help out. Educational loans for nursing students are generally the same as any other student loan; however the loan amount may vary from career to career.

Nursing students may need extra money for tuition and other costs due to higher tuition for health majors and extra supplies that are required. Nursing students also experience hectic schedules that make it near impossible to hold a full-time job outside of school. Just like any other health major, extra lab equipment, certifications (CPR etc.), and additional books are not uncommon purchases.

This is why a government loan such as a Stafford loan, may not be enough to cover all of a nursing students expenses. If you are experiencing difficulty paying for your nursing expenses, contact your financial aid advisor immediately. You may qualify for additional government aid, depending on your financial situation.

Nursing students may also apply for alternative loans from private institutions or banks. Large banks such as Wells Fargo or Bank of America have specialized educational loans for students enrolled in health majors. Health related educational loans from these types of institutions generally have a higher borrowing amount that allows students enrolled in nursing school to pay for additional educational costs.

The interest rates and terms and conditions will vary from bank to bank, and generally subsidized loans aren't available for alternative loans. Although most banks don't require students to repay the loan amount until after graduation, interest will accrue while enrolled in school, unlike government or federal sponsored loans such as those from FASFA. Therefore, you should be aware of any and all related rates, fees, and charges associated with the loan you are applying for.