College Preparation Checklist

TO DO:

• Work with your child on filling out the FAFSA.
  

TO EXPLORE:

• Make sure your child’s personal information is safe when he or she applies for financial aid. For tips, read Federal Student Aid and Identity Theft at StudentAid.gov/resources#consumer-protection.

• Go to www.irs.gov and read IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education to see how you might benefit from federal income tax credits for education expenses. Search for “Publication 970” from the IRS home page to find the most recent version of the document.

• Understand the benefits of federal student loans by reading “Why Get a Federal Student Loan?” on page 4 of this checklist.

• Help your child learn about the responsibilities involved in accepting a student loan by reviewing StudentAid.gov/types/loans#considerations with him or her.

• Look at communications from schools to which your
  child sent FAFSA information. If a school has offered you or your child Direct Loans, the Federal Student Loans: Basics for Students and Federal Student Loans: Direct PLUS Loan Basics for Parents booklets might be useful to you. Find them at StudentAid.gov/resources#loans.