First, you will need to decide whether you will file electronically on FAFSA on the Web or complete a paper FAFSA.

To complete FAFSA on the Web, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and click on "Before Beginning Your FAFSA." You will be guided step-by-step through the preliminary application process using the links below:

• Get documents you need
• Print a Pre-Application Worksheet
• Plan How to sign your FAFSA
• Speed the process with your PIN
• Establish your eligibility
• Note important deadlines

You will also need a PIN in order to electronically sign your application. If you are a dependent, the parent or parents providing their financial information will need a PIN also. If you are a new applicant and you or your parent(s) do not have a PIN, you can obtain more information about the Pin at www.pin.ed.gov. The Department mailed a PIN to students who applied for aid during the 2002-03 award year. If you have any questions about the PIN process, you should either visit the above listed Web site or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). You can submit a FAFSA on the Web application without a PIN, but if you do, you, and your parents, if applicable, will need to submit a signature page by mail with the proper signatures included. Submitting a signature page will increase the time it takes to

• Process your application
• Transmit your application data to the schools you listed on your application

To complete a paper FAFSA, first obtain an application from the school you plan to attend, from a high school counselor, from your local library, or by contacting the FSAIC at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). If you choose to fill out a paper form, use a pen with black ink. Also, dollar amounts should be rounded to the nearest whole dollar. Dates must be reported in numbers in the boxes provided, and numbers below 10 should have a zero in front. (For instance, April would be reported as 04.) Print clearly in capital letters and skip a space between words.

As you complete the FAFSA, you - and your parents, if applicable -should have the following records available to help you answer questions on the application :

• Your Social Security card

• Your driver's license

• Your Alien Registration Receipt Card (if applicable)

• Your W-2 Forms and other 2002 records of money earned

• Your 2002 income tax return (see the instructions for Questions 36-49 if you have not yet completed your tax return)

• Records of untaxed income including Social Security, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, welfare, and veterans benefits

• Records of child support paid

• Records of taxable earnings from Federal Work-Study or other need-based work programs

• Records of student grant, scholarship, and fellowship aid, including AmeriCorps awards, that was included in your (or your parents') AGI

• Stock, bond, and other investment records

• Business and farm records

• Current bank statements

A dependent student (as determined in Questions 52-58), should have all the records listed above from his or her parents except for their driver's licenses.

Be sure to read the information on the Privacy Act and use of your Social Security Number.