File for aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA) for the upcoming  2017-2018 academic year as soon as possible after October 1, 2016. A helpful tutorial is the Seven Easy Steps to the FAFSA: A Student's Guide to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

• For Michigan Competitive Scholarship consideration, the federal processor must receive the FAFSA data by March 1.

• Apply each year that you wish to receive aid. The 2017-2018 FAFSA will use tax information from 2015.

• Read the directions carefully. Don't skip items you don't understand. For help, call 1-800-FEDAID (800/433-3243), or consult your high school guidance counselor or college financial aid office.

• Verify that the student's and parent's social security numbers are correct. An error will cause significant delays.

• Dependent students must report parent income and asset information on the FAFSA. Do not report a grandparent or other relative's information even if you are living with and/or being supported by that person.

• Make sure the FAFSA data is released to GVSU. GVSU's federal school code is 002268.

• Use your FSA ID to sign the online application. If either the student or the parent fails to do so, processing will be delayed.

• If your family assets include any of the following, see Education Savings Plans for how to report them on the FAFSA

  • 529 Savings Plans

    • Michigan Education Trust (MET)

    • Michigan Education Savings Plan (MESP)

  • Coverdell Education Savings Account (formerly Education IRA)

  • Uniform Gift to Minors Act (UGMA) or Uniform Transfer to Minors Act (UTMA)