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, tax returns, W-2 forms, other records of money earned, and bank statements will be needed.

Please keep in mind that school aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified applicants, thereby increasing the advantages of applying for aid early. Later qualified applicants may not receive grants due to funding limitations.

Step 1: Complete and submit your Renewal FAFSA using FAFSA On The Web.

You’ll have fewer questions to answer for 2013-14 because the Renewal FAFSA will contain some of the information you gave on the 2012-13 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.

FAFSA on the Web offers you the option to use IRS data retrieval to transfer your 2012 tax return information directly to the FAFSA if your returns have been filed. Families that do not use the IRS Data Retrieval process may be required to submit an IRS tax transcript directly from the IRS to complete the federal verification process. Your PIN will be required in order to transfer your data and to electronically sign your FAFSA application.

If you have not filed your 2012 federal tax return(s) it is helpful to have a copy of your 2011 return(s) available for reference. You may use your 2011 return(s) until your 2012 is completed. It is better to file with estimated figures than to delay the application process. The estimated figures can be updated by your advisor at a later date when the actual 2011 return(s) is completed.

In December 2012, all renewal eligible FAFSA applicants will receive a email reminder to complete the 2013-14 renewal FAFSA.

If you are a returning student and did not file a 2012-13 FAFSA, you will not receive a reminder notice. You must log on to FAFSA On The Web and submit the 2013-14 FAFSA to be considered for financial aid. The Department of Education's Central Processing System will process your application in three to five days, provided you have provided an electronic signature (using your PIN).

You can file the Renewal FAFSA online for 2013-14 award year beginning January 1, 2013.

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

Your SAR reports all the information you gave on your Renewal FAFSA. You'll get an email within a few days from the federal processor containing a secure link to 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: If you are applying for institutional aid, complete and submit the College Scholarship Service PROFILE application.

PROFILE registrations are not transferable from year-to-year. You will need to register with the College Scholarship Service for 2013-14. Click on PROFILE Online under “Pay For College” and follow the online instructions from there. Make sure you select Emory PROFILE code 5187 before exiting the registration process. This will ensure we receive your PROFILE results.

It takes about one week from the time you submit your PROFILE application for your information to be delivered electronically to Emory. Once you have completed your PROFILE, you will receive an online PROFILE acknowledgement. Review the acknowledgment carefully to make sure it is correct and complete.

The PROFILE application requires a fee. You may pay by credit or debit card or electronic check when completing the online application.

Once you submit your PROFILE, you cannot revise your information online. Any changes must be sent directly to Emory.