FAFSA Application Guidelines
Carefully read the instructions and questions on the FAFSA and review their section on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). If you do not understand a question or need assistance you may call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243), 1-319-337-5665 or TDD 1-800-730-8913 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday, or use the Live Help function located within the pages of the electronic application. You may also call Financial Aid Services at UMass Amherst - we are here for just that purpose.
While completing your FAFSA, keep in mind these important points:
- Do not wait until you have been accepted to UMass Amherst to apply for financial aid.
- File your FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible, estimating your income if necessary.
- When filling out your FAFSA, be sure to list the University of Massachusetts Amherst's Federal School Code 002221.
- If your parents are divorced or separated, answer the questions about the parent you lived with more during the past twelve months. If you did not live with one parent more than the other, give answers about the parent who provided more financial support during the last twelve months, or during the most recent year that you received support from a parent. If this parent is remarried as of today, answer the questions on the rest of the form about that parent and the person your parent married (your stepparent).
- Leave no question unanswered; fill in questions that do not apply with a dash or a zero, depending on the specific information requested.
- Before submitting the FAFSA, make sure that it is complete and accurate and includes all necessary signatures.
Helpful Hints
- Establish a financial aid file for your own records. Keep copies of all information, including the FAFSA itself.
- Respond quickly if Financial Aid Services requests further information or documentation. Your financial aid application will not be processed until you respond to any such request.
- Supply your name and Student ID number in the upper right corner of all documents and information submitted to Financial Aid Services.
- If you receive any outside awards or scholarships, report them to Financial Aid Services. We may have to adjust your financial aid award accordingly to prevent or correct over-awards.
- Submit in writing to Financial Aid Services details of any special or changed circumstances in your family situation.
Common Errors on Financial Aid Applications
Making a mistake on the FAFSA can delay the processing of your application.
Avoid these common FAFSA errors:
- Entering incorrect Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
- Entering incorrect income tax information
- Entering incorrect Social Security Numbers
- Mis-stating information on marital status
- Making errors on worksheets
- Leaving a question blank (instead of writing in a 0)
Visit the FinAid.org Web site for an extensive overview on common FAFSA errors.
Additional Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you in the application process.
See list of resources.
