What happens after I send the FAFSA?

After answering all the questions, submit the FAFSA. All your information is transmitted to a central processor where it is reviewed, analyzed, and your EFC is calculated. The information you give is also matched with other information in different federal databases, like Social Security and the Veteran’s Administration. The results of this analysis are sent to you in a document called a Student Aid Report or SAR and to the schools you listed on the FAFSA.

In most cases, you will receive your SAR more quickly if you use the electronic FAFSA. Review all the information on your SAR to make sure it is correct. If any information is wrong, call your school immediately to find out how to make corrections.

Keep all parts of your SAR in a safe place. Most schools will not ask you to send your SAR to them, but some schools may need it to make a financial aid offer to you. Check with the school to see if they need a copy of your SAR. If they do, sent it right away even if your SAR says you are not eligible to receive certain federal aid. The school might be able to offer you other financial aid based on the information on the SAR.

In addition to your SAR, the Department of Education will also mail you a personal code number, known as a PIN. The PIN serves as an electronic signature and as your identifier to let you access your personal information in various U.S. Department of Education systems. If you do not receive a PIN number from the Department, you can apply for one at www.pin.ed.gov.