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2026–2027 FAFSA Checklist

• StudentAid.gov account: Username and password
• Social Security Number: And Alien Registration Number if applicable
• 2024 Tax Information: Federal tax returns and W-2s
• 2024 Financials:
  • Records of child support received
  • Current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts
  • Net worth of investments, businesses, and farms (if applicable)
• List of schools: You want to receive your information

• Email address: To send an invitation to the contributor
• 2024 Tax Information: Federal tax returns and W-2s
• 2024 Financials:
  • Records of child support received
  • Current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts
  • Net worth of investments, businesses, and farms (if applicable)
• Social Security Number: For each required contributor

Why Complete the FAFSA?

• Required for most federal, state, and college financial aid

• Qualify for Minnesota North Star Promise – free tuition for eligible students

Helpful Tools

• FAFSA FAQ
• Federal Student Aid Estimator
• Who’s My FAFSA Parent/Contributor?

The SELF Loan (Student Educational Loan Fund) is a loan program from the State of Minnesota that helps students and families pay for college or career training. It's run by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, not a bank. Here's why it's different from other loans:

• It has low interest rates (you can choose a fixed or variable rate).
• The rate is the same for everyone – it doesn't depend on your credit score. 
• You'll know the interest rate before you apply, so there are no surprises.
• It's a good option if grants, scholarships or federal aid don't cover all your costs.

The SELF Loan can help fill the gap between your financial aid and the total cost of college – in a fair, transparent, and lower-cost way.

1. Determine where you want to apply by building your list. Make sure you know the type of education you need to pursue your career goal(s). 
   • Example: If you want to be an electrician you would attend a technical college or an apprenticeship program.
2. Apply to colleges. Choose your method of application, and make sure to apply as an incoming undergraduate student:
   • Direct application on the college's website – Learn how to use Naviance to request transcripts/recommendations (learn more).
   • The Common App (access the app)
     • Completing the Common Application - Linking to Naviance (learn more).
   • Common Black College application (learn more)
   • The Coalition (learn more)
   • Pro-tip: Write down all usernames, passwords and STAR ID info. MN State Colleges and Universities require a STAR ID before applying.
3. Match Common App with Naviance
   • Completing the Common Application - Linking to Naviance (learn more).
   • Log into your Naviance Student account
   • Click Colleges I'm Applying To
   • Click Match Accounts
   • Enter your Common App email and click Match Accounts
   • You're done! The accounts are now linked. Please sign the FERPA Waiver so your counselor can send school documents. Nothing is sent until you submit the Common App. 
4. Use Naviance to manage applications
   • Log into Naviance Student (log in here)

Add Colleges to “Colleges I’m Applying To” (If not using Common Application)

• Select the Colleges tab.
• Click Colleges I’m Applying To.
• Click + Add Colleges to This List.
• Search for the college by name and select it.
• Choose the Application Type (Regular, Rolling, Early Action, etc.).
• Select How You’re Applying (Common App, college website, etc.).
• Click Add and Request Transcript or Add College depending on your next step.

Request Transcripts

• After adding the college, select Request Transcripts if prompted.
• If not prompted, go to Colleges I’m Applying To > Manage Transcripts.
• Choose the type of transcript your college requires:
  • Initial Transcript – includes all grades through junior year
  • Final Transcript – sent after graduation
• Click Request and Finish.

Request Letters of Recommendation (ask Teacher/Coach/Counselor before requesting letter of recommendations)

• Go to Colleges tab.
• Select Apply to College > Letters of Recommendation.
• Click Add Request.
• Choose the teacher from the drop-down menu.
• Select Specific Colleges or All Colleges (if allowed).
• Add a short thank-you message.
• Click Submit Request.

5. Complete the FAFSA

• Determines your federal and state aid eligibility
• Used by many colleges for institutional aid

Keep track of deadlines and requirements for each application type. Use a spreadsheet or Naviance to stay organized!

Who Qualifies for Federal Grants?
To receive federal grants (like Pell Grants), students must complete the FAFSA and meet one of these conditions:

• U.S. citizen or national
• Permanent resident (Green Card - I-551)
• Conditional permanent resident (I-551C)
• I-94 status as:
• Refugee
• Asylee
• Cuban-Haitian entrant
• Parolee
• Victim of trafficking (T-Visa)
• Note: You may qualify even if your parents are undocumented.

Scholarships Regardless of Immigration Status
Many colleges offer scholarships open to undocumented students. Check with your school’s financial aid office. Here are some resources:

• Dream[ers] Students United
• Hispanic Scholarship Fund
• TheDream.US
• MALDEF Scholarship List
• Scholarships for Hispanics
• Migrant Students Foundation
• Page Education Foundation
• NAVIGATE MN List (PDF)
• Golden Door Scholars

• Attend a MN high school for at least 3 years
• Graduate from a MN high school or earn a GED
• Male students (18–25) must register with U.S. Selective Service
• Provide proof of applying for lawful immigration status if a federal process exists (not DACA)

Apply here

Why Sign Up to Visit with College or Military Reps?
Reps are coming to our school—take advantage! Visiting with college or military reps is an easy way to find out what’s out there after high school. You can ask real questions, hear about programs, scholarships, and campus life, and make connections that could help you in the future. It’s quick, easy, and all about your next steps. Follow the instructions and sign up today!

• Log into Naviance Student
• Click on the Colleges tab
• Scroll down to College Visits
• Click the school you want to visit
• Click the Register button to reserve your seat
• Save the date and come to the Career & College Center for your visit.

Why use the Common App

• Saves time when applying to multiple Common App schools.
• Organizes essays and activities in one place.
• Easy to reuse the same core materials for many colleges.
• Often integrates smoothly with school tools like Naviance for sending transcripts and recommendations.

Why apply directly

• Some important local schools (e.g., University of Minnesota, Minnesota State campuses, and many technical colleges) are not on the Common App.
• Direct apps sometimes have shorter or simpler forms.
• You can follow school-specific instructions closely and avoid extra steps if you apply to only a few institutions.
• Occasionally direct applicants receive school-specific guidance or reminders from the college portal.

Download the form 

1. Open the form you downloaded and complete it with the instructions below.
   • Name of the college or university: The student completes this part. The student writes the name of the college or university. Students can submit to a maximum of four universities. (One form for each university they are applying to).
   • Student: The student completes this part. The student can sign by using the “Fill & Sign” tool on the PDF or simply type up the initials.
   • Authorized official: The authorized official completes this part. A school counselor, postsecondary support personnel, or principal at the student’s school OR an official from a community-based organization completes the Authorized Official section and verifies the student’s economic eligibility.
     • Note: CEEB# or PROGRAM# field can be found on the College Board website. If not found, this field can remain blank.
   • Economic Need: The student completes this part. International students should check the “Other Request” box in the Economic Need section and explain their financial barrier(s) to paying the application fee on the lines provided.
2. Save the form. The completed form must be sent directly to the institution’s office of admission. The student should contact the office of admission to determine the school’s accepted mode of delivery (e.g., mail, email, fax). The student should follow up with the office of admission 2-4 weeks post submission to check on the approval status.

• CIEE is a nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization
• Gap Year Association
• Guide to Gap Year Programs | Teen Life
• GO Overseas
• International Universities
  • NACAC Guide to International University Admission
  • American Universities Abroad

General Scholarship Search Sites

Featured Scholarships & Grants 

• ACT.org - Delivered by experts and designed to fit every learning style, budget, and schedule.
• Accuplacer - The ACCUPLACER is a series of tests that evaluate students’ skills in reading, writing, and math to help college administrators place them in courses that match their skills. Placement testing | M State - scroll to Preparing for Accuplacer - FREE App
• ACT - The ACT is an entrance exam used by colleges and universities to make admissions and/or placement decisions
• ASVAB - Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery - enlistment testing practice tests
• SAT Information
• PSAT/SAT