The Five-Minute FAFSA Video - This is an introduction to completing the FAFSA.

You may also apply on-line at the following address: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. (You also have an option to print out a pre-application worksheet if you wish to preview FAFSA questions before completing them on-line.) If you choose to apply on-line you have the following options:

1) Apply for a PIN (both you and your parents, if applicable) at www.pin.ed.gov that serves as an electronic signature. Your pin will be e-mailed to you within 1 to 5 days if you provide an e-mail address or mailed to your permanent address within 7 to 10 days if you do not have an e-mail address. Once you have your PIN you can access the www.fafsa.ed.gov website to complete your FAFSA.
     -OR-
2) Go directly to the www.fafsa.ed.gov website, complete the FAFSA and print out a signature page. Sign the page (both you and your parents, if applicable) and mail it to the address listed on the FAFSA screen.

The priority deadline date for applying for financial aid to attend Hagerstown Community College is March 1 for the Fall Semester and October 30 for the Spring Semester. By having your information complete and turned in to the Financial Aid Office by these dates you will know the types of aid you are eligible for and the amounts you are scheduled to receive.

If you have unusual circumstances such as unusual medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance, a family member who recently became unemployed, changes in income or assets that affect your eligibility for financial aid, or tuition expenses at an elementary or secondary school, complete the FAFSA form then make an appointment to see the Director of Student Financial Aid for a Professional Judgment Decision. In addition, for students who have special circumstances in which they may considered independent for financial aid purposes an appointment must also be made with the Director of Financial Aid.

Helpful Tips On Filling Out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid

• Make photocopies of the blank forms and practice filling out the copies. That avoids mistakes on the original.
• Be sure the social security number is correct (prospective students and parents).
• Photocopy all the completed forms and keep a copy in your files. Note the mailing date.
• Send in the originals of the form, not copies.
• Print neatly. Sloppy forms are difficult to read and could slow down processing.
• Answer all questions requiring answers. Some lines you can leave blank, some you cannot.
• Give only the information requested. This is not an essay test. Don't write explanations and don't write in the margins.
• Out-of-date addresses cause delays.
• If you don't have an exact figure don't put in a range of numbers, for example, $400 to $600. Instead, give your best estimate, say $500.
• The FAFSA asks which schools should receive your information. Use the Federal School Code from the codebook in your high school guidance office or access the web for the list. You may also enter the name and address of the school if you cannot locate the school code.
• Meet the filing deadline.
• Remember to sign and date the form.
• If you are filing electronically over the Internet it is recommended that you first fill out the paper version, a practice form, so that all questions and concerns will be addressed. After entering the information, print out the signature page, sign it, and mail it in.

Avoid Bleary-Eyed Mistakes

After you've gathered all the necessary documents, fill out the form in light pencil. Then put it aside for a day or two. Then come back to it with a "fresh set of eyes." Re-read the directions. Double-check the numbers you've entered. Chances are you'll find a mistake to correct. A common mistake is forgetting to sign the form.

What if I Transfer to/from Another School?

If you transfer to HCC from another school you will need to have our Federal School Code added so we have access to your Student Aid Report. In addition you may be requested to provide other paperwork specific to the Financial Aid Office.

If you are transferring from HCC to another school you need to contact the financial aid office of the school you plan to attend in addition to having their Federal School Code added to your Student Aid Report. They may have you complete other documents for your financial aid. (Additional Note: If you have a Maryland State Scholarship and transfer within the State of Maryland you will need to contact them to have your scholarship forwarded to the correct school.)