APPLYING FOR FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID

 

STEP 1: PIN NUMBER

 

Apply for a Federal PIN number for both yourself and your parent?

What is a PIN number? A PIN number is assigned to you by the government. You will use your PIN number to electronically sign your FAFSA application. You can each apply for a PIN number by going to WWW.PIN.ED.GOV

Please note: Dependent students must have their FAFSA applications signed by both themselves and a parent.  In these circumstances, both the student and parent must apply for their own PIN numbers.

 

Have you lost your PIN number and need to recover it?

 

If you have lost your PIN number, you can request a duplicate PIN number by going to the above website and click on Request a Duplicate PIN link on the left hand side of the webpage and follow the instructions.

 

You will need information off the following documents for STEP 2:

  • Parent’s Federal Tax Return (for the previous year)
  • Student’s Federal Tax Return (for the previous year)
  • Your Social Security Number and your parent’s Social Security numbers if you are providing parent information.
  • Your driver’s license if you have one.
     

STEP 2: FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid):

 

How to fill out the FAFSA:  You can fill out the application online by going to WWW.FAFSA.GOV.  (Do not go to fafsa.com)  The federal school code for Life Pacific College is 016029.

 

Please note that the earlier you apply for Federal Aid, the better it will benefit you by helping you plan for the upcoming school year.

You will receive a copy of your FAFSA and it is called a Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR summarizes the information you submitted on the FAFSA. If you do not receive the SAR report within a reasonable amount of time, please call the federal processor at 1-800-4Fed-Aid. Review the SAR report carefully for errors. If necessary, please promptly make corrections.

 

BEING SELECTED FOR VERIFICATION:

 

If your financial aid application is selected for verification by the Central Processing System, the Financial Aid Office will require you to submit additional documentation.  Verification is a process to verify that the information on your FAFSA has been accurately reported.  Students will be notified with a letter explaining what paperwork is required to complete the process.

 

*Important note: If you are notified that you have been selected, please send the paperwork to our office as early as possible so we have sufficient time to review these documents and process your aid in a timely manner. 

 

 

STEP 3: APPLYING FOR DIRECT FEDERAL LOANS:

   

WWW.STUDENTLOANS.GOV

 

To apply for Direct Federal Loans (Subsidized/Unsubsidized, Parent PLUS or Graduate PLUS) loans you will need to log onto www.studentloans.gov.  Before you begin, review the Learn More box and select the "What you need for Direct Loans" button to find out what is needed before you begin your loan application.

 

You will need your U.S. Department of Education PIN number (same one used to sign your FAFSA) in order to access this site and work through your application process. 

 

Green Sign in Button:

If you do not see the green sign in button on the home page, you may need to download some information.  To view the student loan web site effectively, you will need one of the following supported browsers from either Microsoft or Mozilla.

 

For Windows:                                                                      For Apple Macintosh:

Get MS Internet Explorer                                                        Get MS Internet Explorer

Get Firefox                                                                            Get Firefox

  

To view or print a completed Master Promissory Note (MPN), you will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.

 

 

STEP 4: LOAN ENTRANCE COUNSELING

 

When you are logged into the student loan site, you will also be able to complete entrance counseling by selecting "Complete Entrance Counseling" for undergraduate student.  Follow all the steps until you have completely finished the session and have taken your quiz.

 

Entrance Counseling will walk you through the Direct Loan process and explain your rights and responsibilities as a borrower. 

 

In this process, you will learn about the following:

  • Direct Loans
  • Managing your educational expenses
  • Other financial resources to consider that may help pay for your education
  • Your rights and responsibilities as a borrower

 

APPLYING FOR OTHER AID

CAL GRANT:

  • Have you applied for state financial aid?
    • If you are a California resident then you can apply for a CAL GRANT.  For more information please call the Cal Grant offices at 1-888-CAGRANT or go online at www.csac.ca.gov.  
    • If you are not a California resident, then please look at your state website to see what is available.

PRIVATE SCHOLARSHIPS:

  • Have you researched and applied for private scholarships? 
    Remember to look at scholarships deadline dates and to understand the qualifications you need in order to obtain funds that you won’t have to repay.
  • If you would like to research a list of recommended scholarships you can go to this link (Outside Scholarships)