Tips on Filling out the FAFSA
The Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) for incoming freshman and transfers for the 2009/2010 academic year cannot be filed online until January 1st and for priority considerartion must be completed by February 15th. You also need to file for a Personal Idenitification Number (PIN) to electroncially sign your FAFSA and submit it. Both can be done at the websites below.
- FAFSA Website: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
- PIN Website: http://www.pin.ed.gov
(If you prefer a paper FAFSA, you may request one from the Federal Student Aid Information Center, 1-800-433-3243.)
Reminder: The FAFSA requires current tax return information. It is best for families to file taxes early to ensure accurate information on the FAFSA, but use estimated figures if necessary to meet our February 15th priority date. FAFSA on the Web Worksheets are available at high schools and colleges throughout the U.S. and online on the FAFSA website that can be used to assist you in completing the FAFSA.
Tips for completing the FAFSA for entering Freshmen and Transfer Students
Name and Social Security Number
Enter your name and Social Security Number exactly as they appear on your Social Security card.
Degree or certificate
Unless you will be a graduate student, a professional Pharmacy student, or a fifth-year teaching credential student in fall 2009, enter 1 (1 st bachelor’s degree).
Grade level
Entering Freshmen: Indicate 0 (never attended college/first year undergraduate), even if you have college units earned while in high school.
Transfer Students: Estimate your grade level at Pacific, counting transferable units, only.
First bachelor’s degree before July 1, 2009?
If you will not have a four-year college degree as of the start of fall semester 2009, enter No.
Highest school your father and mother completed
Answer about both your birth parents (or adoptive parents). This information is used in the Cal Grant B and Competitive Cal Grant A selection process.
Student’s financial information
All students must fill out this section, even if you don’t have any income, savings, or investments and do not file a tax return. If an item does not apply to you, enter 0.
Federal school code & housing plans
University of the Pacific’s School code is 001329.
Cal Grant Applicants: The California Student Aid Commission will use costs of attendance at the first California school you list on the FAFSA to evaluate your financial eligibility for a Cal Grant—so list your highest cost California school first, even if you might attend a community college next year.
If you're awarded a Cal Grant A for attendance at a four-year school but decide to attend a community college next year, you can have the grant held on reserve for up to three years until you transfer.
Read, sign, and date:
If parent information is required on your FAFSA, a parent signature or e-signature (PIN) is also required.