The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial form that students in the United States must complete to determine their eligibility for financial aid for college or graduate school. One of the essential sections of the FAFSA requires students to list the schools they are applying to or plan to attend. Adding a school to the FAFSA can seem daunting, but it's a straightforward process. In this article, we will guide you through the 5 easy steps to add a school to FAFSA.
Before we dive into the steps, it's essential to understand why listing schools on the FAFSA is important. By adding a school to your FAFSA, you are authorizing the U.S. Department of Education to send your financial aid information to that school. This allows the school to determine your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid.
Step 1: Gather Required Information
To add a school to your FAFSA, you will need to have the school's Federal School Code. You can find this code by:
- Visiting the school's website and searching for "Federal School Code"
- Contacting the school's financial aid office directly
- Using the Federal School Code Search Tool on the U.S. Department of Education's website
It's crucial to have the correct Federal School Code to avoid any delays or issues with your financial aid application.
Step 2: Log in to Your FAFSA Account
To add a school to your FAFSA, you will need to log in to your FAFSA account. You can do this by:
- Visiting the FAFSA website ([www.fafsa.gov](http://www.fafsa.gov))
- Entering your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID and password
If you don't have an FSA ID, you can create one by following the prompts on the FAFSA website.
Step 3: Navigate to the School Selection Section
Once you are logged in to your FAFSA account, navigate to the "School Selection" section. This section allows you to add or remove schools from your FAFSA application.
To add a school, click on the "Add a School" button and enter the school's Federal School Code. You can also add a school by:
- Searching for the school by name
- Entering the school's city and state
Step 4: Review and Confirm Your School Selection
After adding a school to your FAFSA, review and confirm your school selection. Make sure to:
- Verify the school's name and Federal School Code
- Check that the school is eligible to participate in federal student aid programs
You can also add multiple schools to your FAFSA application, but be sure to prioritize your schools in the order you prefer to attend.
Step 5: Submit Your FAFSA Application
Once you have added a school to your FAFSA and reviewed your school selection, submit your FAFSA application. You can do this by:
- Clicking the "Submit" button on the FAFSA website
- Reviewing your application for accuracy and completeness
After submitting your FAFSA application, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that summarizes your financial aid eligibility. Review this report carefully and make any necessary corrections.
Key Points
- To add a school to FAFSA, you need the school's Federal School Code.
- You can find the Federal School Code by visiting the school's website, contacting the financial aid office, or using the Federal School Code Search Tool.
- You must log in to your FAFSA account to add a school.
- Review and confirm your school selection to ensure accuracy.
- Submit your FAFSA application after adding a school and reviewing your application.
Adding a school to FAFSA is a straightforward process that requires some basic information and attention to detail. By following these 5 easy steps, you can ensure that your financial aid application is processed efficiently and effectively.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
While adding a school to FAFSA is generally a smooth process, some common issues may arise. These include:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Incorrect Federal School Code | Verify the school's Federal School Code and re-enter it. |
| School not found | Contact the school's financial aid office or use the Federal School Code Search Tool. |
| Error message during submission | Review your application for accuracy and completeness, and try submitting again. |
What is the Federal School Code, and where can I find it?
+The Federal School Code is a unique six-digit code assigned to each school that participates in federal student aid programs. You can find the Federal School Code by visiting the school’s website, contacting the financial aid office, or using the Federal School Code Search Tool on the U.S. Department of Education’s website.
Can I add multiple schools to my FAFSA application?
+Yes, you can add multiple schools to your FAFSA application. However, be sure to prioritize your schools in the order you prefer to attend.
What happens if I enter the wrong Federal School Code?
+If you enter the wrong Federal School Code, your financial aid information will not be sent to the correct school. Verify the school’s Federal School Code and re-enter it to avoid any delays or issues with your financial aid application.