Filling out the FAFSA

Important information to know when
filling out the FAFSA

Students whose biological parents are separated, divorced, or widowed should pay close attention to step four. Read the FAFSA instructions carefully for guidance on how to define your household. Keep in mind that you must report the income and assets of a step-parent on the FAFSA if he or she is currently married to your custodial parent, regardless of whether the step-parent will help pay your college costs. For additional clarification, contact Centre's Student Financial Planning Office.

To request a PIN number, access the web site www.pin.ed.gov and follow the instructions to get your code. The PIN should arrive within 10 days, and then you are ready to call up your personal information at FAFSA on the Web. Although the PIN replaces the student signature, please note that a parent signature is still required. A parent may also obtain a PIN at the same Web site.

You may also use FAFSA on the Web without a PIN. FAFSA on the Web transmits the information to the processor faster than regular mail. Please use a computer attached to a printer, as you will need to print a signature page when you are finished with the application unless you and your parent both have PINs. Both student and parent signatures are required, and you must mail the signature page to the processor within 10 days of completing FAFSA on the Web.

Information for Legal Residents of Kentucky

The state of Kentucky uses information provided on the FAFSA to determine state grant eligibility for Kentucky residents attending in-state colleges and universities. Legal residents of Kentucky should pay special attention to the following:

• Make sure you list Centre College in order to be eligible for the maximum state grant. Centre's Federal School Code is 001961.

Checking the Status of your Application

You may file the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA online after January 1 at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

To check on the status of your FAFSA after you have filed it, call 800-433-3243 or check online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. If Centre is listed as one of your school choices, we will receive your electronic SAR within 4 days. You will receive an e-mail with instructions to review the data that you submitted. Be sure to print a copy for your files.

If you have special circumstances that you would like to make us aware of, please send a letter explaining your situation and provide an IRS Tax Return Transcript and W-2's. Click here for instructions.