When you complete the FAFSA it is important that you read and follow the directions provided. You can save yourself lots of time and effort if you follow these tips.

The following sites provide valuable information to assist you in completing the FAFSA.. Both sites require you to download a .pdf document.

Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Student Aid
http://www.nasfaa.org/EntrancePDF.aspx?id=3783

Your E-mail Address: You must provide a reliable e-mail address where you will be able to receive important messages from the federal Department of Education. All communication from the FAFSA processor will go to this address so be sure you check it regularly.

In Addition to Grants, What Types of Financial Aid Are You Interested In?: For the 2012-13 year, our office will consider every student who completes a FAFSA to be interested in loans.  If, however, you want to be considered for federal Work-study, be sure to indicate this interest when you complete your FAFSA. There is a separate question regarding interest in federal work-study.

Please note that although we will consider every applicant for loans, you are not required to accept any loan that is offered.  You will have the opportunity to decline any loan offered via VIP or by contacting the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.  However, you must do this before using any loan towards your fee payment. 

What Schools Should Receive Your FAFSA Information: The federal school code for USC Columbia is 003448. If completing on the web, you may do a school search to identify us. If completing a paper application use 003448 as the code and University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC for the name and address.

Housing Plans: You must enter your correct Housing code in these sections of question 97. Please do not overlook this part of the question. Skipping this question may result in an incorrect award amount for you. 

If you will not enroll at USC for the Fall 2012 semester, please contact this office after you have been awarded, tell us your plans, and we will make the necessary adjustments.