Returning students must reapply each year for financial aid. Gather the appropriate documents and resources before you begin the application process for the new year. Your PIN number, SSN, tax returns, W-2 forms, other records of money earned, and bank statements will be needed.

Step 1: Complete and submit the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using FAFSA On The Web.

The Renewal FAFSA will contain some of the information you gave on the 2009-10 FAFSA. Updates will be needed only for the information that has changed from the prior year. Items such as name, birth date, address and program information will roll over from the previous year.

It is helpful to have a copy of your 2009 U.S. Income Tax Return available for reference when completing the FAFSA. You may use your 2008 return until the 2009 is completed. It is better to file with estimated figures than to delay the application process. The estimated figures can be updated at a later date by your advisor when the actual 2009 return is completed.

Stipends/fellowships earned during the 2009 calendar year should be included as income on your 2009 U.S. Income Tax Return and similarly, when completing the 2010-11 FAFSA. Stipends/fellowships should not be included in Question 44, Additional Financial Information, when completing the FAFSA.

The FAFSA data is used to award student loans to supplement departmental aid. Tuition awards and stipends are awarded by your graduate department. These awards do not require you to complete a FAFSA.

In December 2009, all renewal eligible FAFSA applicants will receive an email reminder to complete the 2010-11 renewal FAFSA.

If you are a returning student and did not file a 2009-10 FAFSA, you will not receive a reminder notice. You must log on to FAFSA On The Web and submit the 2010-11 FAFSA to be considered for financial aid. The Department of Education’s Central Processing System will process your application in three to five days if you provided an electronic signature (using your PIN).

You can file the Renewal FAFSA online for 2010-11 award year beginning January 1, 2010.

Step 2: After you apply, you will receive your Student Aid Report (SAR).

Your SAR reports all the information you gave on your FAFSA. If you filed using FAFSA On The Web and provided a valid email address when you applied, you'll get an email from the federal processor within a few days. The email contains a secure link so you can access your SAR on the web.

Review your SAR carefully to make sure it is correct and complete. If you need to make corrections to the SAR, you can make them online. Your SAR will contain instructions on how to make corrections.

Step 3: Provide a signed copy of your Student 2009 federal tax return ONLY IF you have been federally selected for verification. Mail returns to the Office of Financial Aid.

To know if you have been selected for verification, check your SAR. If there is an asterisk (*) next to the EFC, your FAFSA has been selected for verification by the federal processor.

Required documents and/or incomplete items should be submitted to our office as soon as possible. Always write the student's full name, Emory ID or SSN (if Emory ID is unknown) on each document. Generally, our office can confirm receipt of documentation within 5-7 business days from the date the document was mailed.

The advisor reviewing your file will determine whether you are eligible to receive financial aid. During this review, you may be asked to submit additional documents. Please check OPUS frequently for outstanding items under your To Do List.

Step 5: After your file has been reviewed and your financial aid eligibility determined, you will be notified by email (your Emory assigned email address) that your award is available for you to view and accept/decline in OPUS.

Please keep in mind our primary means of communicating with you throughout the year will be email. In addition, it is also very important that we have your correct mailing address. Email and mailing addresses can be updated and reviewed on OPUS under Personal Information. If you are unsure what your OPUS login is, check with the Emory IT Help Desk at 404-727-7777.