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Helpful Hints for the FAFSA
- Apply Early - To receive maximum consideration for aid at Nicholls, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to April 15, 2010, for the 2010-2011 award year.
- Read and Respond – Carefully read and follow all instructions provided. Respond quickly to all requests from our office. Even if your federal application is received by the priority date, you will not receive an award letter until your file is complete.
- Do Not Leave Blanks – Never leave required questions blank on any form you submit. Blank questions will only delay processing your application.
- Keep Copies – Keep photocopies of all forms and correspondence you submit with the dates they were submitted. Refer to them when inquiring about your application. Save your FAFSA instruction booklet or FAFSA on the Web Worksheet. Save a signed copy of your (and your parents’ if dependent) Federal Tax Return (1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, or TeleFile) each year. It may be needed for verification.
- Use Your Full Given Name – Complete all forms using your full given name. Do not use nicknames. Notify the Office of Financial Aid of any name changes.
- Use Your Correct Social Security Number – Enter your correct social security number on all forms. Be sure to review your social security number for accuracy; transposed numbers or incorrect numbers will result in a delay and reprocessing through the federal processing center. Put your name and social security number on all forms you submit to our office.
- Ask Questions – Call or visit our office if you have questions or need help with your forms. It is helpful if you learn the name of the person who assisted you. Financial Aid Counselors are available by appointment to assist you in completing the FAFSA and/or answering any questions. To make an appointment, call (985) 448-4048. You can also call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID if you have questions while completing the FAFSA, or you can go online at http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/completing_fafsa/index.html.
- Document Phone Calls – If you call to discuss your application, keep notes of the day you called, the name of the person who assisted you, and what was discussed. Please do not be discouraged when you cannot immediately reach us. During peak times we experience several hundred telephone calls per day.
