1. Apply as soon after January 1st as possible.
   Many financial aid programs have limited funding (Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant) and are awarded to those who apply earliest. The ideal time to apply is as soon as possible after January 1st and before April 1st. Applications submitted after April 1st will be accepted. You must renew your financial aid application each year.
2. Submit a completed and signed application form.
   
3. Use completed federal tax return information if possible.
4. Keep copies of student and parent federal income tax returns and W-2s.
5. Consider using Renewal FAFSA (if eligible) or FAFSA on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov

DON'T:

1. Don't apply as a married student before you are married.
   FAFSA Question 15: If you plan to file as a married student, you must be married on the date you sign the form. Don't mail the form before you are married. If you submit your application as a single student, you are not allowed to update your status after the fact.
   
2. Don't apply as married if you are separated at the time you submit the application.
   FAFSA Question 15: Even though you are legally married, if you are separated at the time you submit your application, answer "Separated".
   
3. Don't fail to include parent income information (dependent students).
   FAFSA STEP FOUR: If you answered "NO" to every one of the questions in Step Three, then you must fill out questions 59-83.
   
4. Don't forget to include yourself (the student) as part of the household (dependent students).
   FAFSA Question 64: Always include yourself as part of your parent(s) household even if you didn't live there during the tax year.
   
5. Don't incorrectly report income and assets of parent(s) or spouse.
   FAFSA Step Two, Questions 39-51 and Step Four, Questions 73-83 (if dependent); If you are divorced or separated, list only your income and asset information (including only your portion of taxes paid), even if you filed a joint tax return. If you are married when you sign the FAFSA, combine your and your spouse's income and asset information, even if you were not married during the 2000 tax year. Dependent students should not forget to include stepparent income, if applicable.
   
6. Don't incorrectly report untaxed income.
   FAFSA Questions 44-45 and 78-79: Use Worksheets A and B on page 8 of the paper FAFSA instructions to complete these questions. Pay particular attention to cash or any money paid on your behalf, not reported elsewhere on this form. If you received money for living expenses from some other source that was not reported elsewhere, it must be included here.
   
7. Don't incorrectly report educational tax credits and child support payments.
   FAFSA Questions 45-46 and 79-80: Use Work Sheets B and C on page 8 of the FAFSA instructions to complete these questions.
   
8. Don't purposely provide inaccurate information.
   If you purposely provide false information on your federal financial aid application, you are subject to fines and/or imprisonment under the U.S. Criminal Code. State and local laws may also apply in such cases.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Meridian Technology Center's Office of Financial Aid
405-377-3333 (x298)
financialaid@meridian-technology.com