| 10-Step
Application Check List
Over the past several years, our office
staff members have become aware of some generally asked questions
and sound hints that we would like to make available to you. As
a result, here are 10 steps we recommend you pay particular attention
to in order for your aid application to be processed smoothly and
on-time. You may even wish to make a copy of these two pages for
your own records and check-off or date each item as it occurs. Good
Luck!
| 10 Steps
in Applying for Federal Financial Aid |
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| Step 1 |
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Complete 1040 Tax
Return for 2006 (it is not necessary for it to be already mailed to the IRS, as long as it is complete and accurate). If we request additional documentation from you, you may need to make copies of the signed forms and send
them to our office (see#5). |
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| Step 2 |
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If you do not already
have a federal PIN, apply for one now at www.pin.ed.gov.
Your parents should apply for one too! This will make getting
information and applying for financial aid a much easier process.
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| Step 3 |
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Complete the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible
after completing your federal income tax. You can apply using a paper FAFSA or online at
www.fafsa.ed.gov. |
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| Step 4 |
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If you include an e-mail address,
you will receive verification of your application by e-mail.
If you do not have an e-mail address, you will receive a paper
verification from the federal government in the mail. |
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| Step 5 |
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The Financial Aid Office (of the schools
you listed on your FAFSA) may contact you asking for additional
information (verification forms, marriage certificates, W-2
forms, etc.). Answer these requests promptly so your application
can be complete at the earliest possible date. This could mean
a difference of several hundred, even thousands of dollars. |
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| Step 6 |
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When you receive your "Award
Letter," answer it promptly - accepting and rejecting each
type of aid offered. At TTU, your Award Letter includes a brochure
that explains what each type of aid is and how you will receive
it. It will also include a "green sheet, " called
a Loan Acceptance Form, for you to tell us if you would like
to apply for a Direct Student Loan. If you do, please return
the completed "green sheet" to our office. |
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| Step 7 |
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If you are a first time borrower and request a loan using the financial aid acceptance form (also known as a "green sheet,")
we will complete a Direct Loan Promissory Note and mail it to
you. The student should then complete the name and address of
two references (these people are not cosigners), sign the Note
(Full readable signature) in either blue or black ink, and return
it to our office. |
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| Step 8 |
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With government Stafford and Direct Loans remember:
- Freshman borrowers are limited to borrowing $3500 per
year starting in 07/08.
- The government takes out 1-1/2% of the amount borrowed
for "fees."
- All loans for the full academic year (fall and spring) have to be disbursed in two parts – (one
at the beginning of each semester).
- If this is your first time to take out a loan here at TTU, you will need to take an entrance interview.
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| Step 9 |
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If you have any questions about any paperwork you
receive, call the school or agency that sent you the letter.
TIME IS IMPORTANT. Be sure to have the student's
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER handy and a copy of
the LETTER you have questions about IN
FRONT OF YOU when you call so you can better explain
your question to those you are calling. |
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| Step 10 |
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Go to the Summer Pre-Registration Program (most
of us have them) at the school you plan to attend. Check on
your financial aid then too, and learn when your bill is due
and payable (so you can be sure about how you can pay it). |
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Tennessee Tech University Financial Aid
P.O. Box 5076
Cookeville, TN 38505
Phone: (931) 372-3073 or (800) 268-0236 FAX: (931) 372-6309
Questions or Comments, please e-mail financialaid@tntech.edu |
