Last updated on April 1, 2020
Are you prepared to fill out your 2020-2021 FAFSA form on Oct. 1? We hope so, Oct. 1 is around the corner. If you’re a student attending Dallas Community Colleges you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the 2020-2021 school year. You should fill out a FAFSA form — even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for federal grants. Many states and colleges use the FAFSA to determine their own aid awards and scholarships. If you’re unsure about the whole process, keep reading to learn more about the necessary steps for FAFSA completion.
If You Haven’t Already, Create an FSA ID
In order to digitally sign your FAFSA, you and your parent or legal guardian will need to create an FSA ID. Your FSA ID will serve as your legal signature.
Filling Out the FAFSA
Before you get started, be sure to gather the following:
- Your 2018 tax return and any W-2 forms
- Current bank statements
- Social Security numbers, for both you and your parent or legal guardian
Once you’ve completed the steps to fill out your FAFSA. You’ll also need to make sure you send it to your college of choice by putting your school code on your FAFSA. Don’t worry — answering all those questions goes by faster than you think.
At Dallas Community Colleges, you will also need to make sure to complete your financial aid file, review your award letter and register for classes.
How Does This Benefit Me?
- Because FAFSA asks for your older income and tax information, you will already have done your taxes by the time you fill out your FAFSA, and you won’t need to estimate your tax information and then go back into the FAFSA later to update it.
- Because you’ll already have done your taxes by the time you fill out your FAFSA, you may be able to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) to automatically import your tax information into your FAFSA. (Learn about the IRS DRT at StudentAid.gov/irsdrt.)
- Because FAFSA is available earlier, you may feel less pressure and will have more time to explore and understand your financial aid options and apply for aid before your state’s and school’s deadlines.
Still Have Financial Aid Questions?
Contact your college’s financial aid office for help. You can email us at facc@dcccd.edu.
- Looking for other ways to help pay for college? Check out myScholarships through the DCCCD Foundation.
- Are you a Dallas County high school senior? Be sure to find out if you qualify to apply for Dallas County Promise.