If you are submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online, please keep the following suggestions in mind:

1. Be sure to have all of the required information available when you are ready to complete the FAFSA. You can print a helpful checklist from: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/before003.htm.|
   
   If you do not have your or your parent's/s' tax information available, you can use estimated figures to complete your FAFSA and go back and enter the exact figures later.
   
   Tip: It is best to use exact tax figures from completed returns, if possible. If you use estimated figures, UMD will be required to verify your information, and you will need to submit copies of your and your parent's/s' entire tax returns and all W2s and schedules before your aid application can be processed.
   
   
2. You and one parent will need to sign the FAFSA. You can do this electronically with Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), or you can print and mail a signature page after you have completed the FAFSA online.
   
   If you choose to sign electronically, you and your parent will need to obtain PIN numbers from the US Department of Education. If you do not have a PIN, or if you need a new one, you can request to have one e-mailed to you by visiting: http://www.pin.ed.gov.
   
   Tip: Once you receive your PIN, keep it in a safe place, as you may need it to sign other financial aid documents.
   
   
3. Before submitting your FAFSA online, take a few minutes to review it to ensure that all of the information you reported is correct and accurate.
   
   Tip: Some common mistakes include errors in Social Security Numbers, dates of birth, and tax figures. Take a few minutes to double check your information - it can save you a great deal of time later!
   
   Additional information on completing the FAFSA can be accessed online at: http://www.d.umn.edu/fareg/fafsaguide2006-2007.pdf.