Peterson's FAABteachersmanual (Page 20)

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Lesson Plan #5

Lesson Objective: The student will have an understanding of the importance of
and the process involved in submitting the FAFSA. Students will receive hands-
on experience in filling out a FAFSA. Students will learn the most common errors
students make when filling out the FAFSA.

Procedure:

1. Tell the students that the primary application form for financial aid

assistance is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly
known as the FAFSA. Show students a copy of what the application
looks like (obtain one through your guidance counselor or online at

www.fasa.ed.gov

or call 800-4-FEDAID). Explain that the form may

look complex but it is straightforward and absolutely necessary to fill
out if they want financial aid assistance from the government. Go over
the basics of the FAFSA (Overhead 10).

2. Tell the students that one out of twelve FAFSA applications are

returned due to errors. Overhead 11 lists the most common errors.

3. Explain to the students that they can fill out a paper or electronic

FAFSA online application. Handout 5 is a worksheet that can be
reviewed in class and used with parents later to determine the EFC
(Expected Family Contribution). Review each area on the form so that
students understand the significance of gathering the correct
information in order to fill out the FAFSA.

Materials: Overheads 10 & 11, Handout 5, and projector & screen.

Assignment: Read chapter 6 in The Financial Aid Answer Book. Tell the
students that the next lesson will deal with credit cards.

Peterson's - FAABteachersmanual (Page 20)