FAFSA Guidance

The FAFSA is a critical first step in accessing federal financial aid, helping students secure the resources they need to pursue higher education. Here, you will find important training seminars, walkthrough videos, FAQs, and resources to help students complete the FAFSA successfully.

Seminar

two students talking to a teacher

This seminar is a complete walkthrough of the FAFSA. It will include explanations for each phase and up-to-date information on how to support students through their application and help them with any issues and possible workarounds.

Seminar Video  Download Presentation

 

Resources

FSA’s 2026–27 Counselor Resource —The resource provides counselors and advisors with information and resources to help guide students and their families through the FAFSA form.

FSA Pro FAFSA Tips - Updated tips for preparing to complete and submit the FAFSA form.

FAFSA Checklist - A complete list of essential documents and information students will need to complete the FAFSA Application.

FAFSA Quick Tips - Quick Tips to help ensure the FAFSA processes correctly the first time.

Common Studentaid.gov (FSA ID) Account Errors and Fixes - Workarounds to common errors that may delay the creation of a student’s StudentAid.gov (FSA ID) Account.

students looking at a laptop

Every student is not the same. Some students have special circumstances in their lives that are hard to account for in the regular application. In this module, you will find important training seminars, walkthrough videos, FAQs, and educational materials to help explain and document their special circumstance.

Understanding Special Circumstances

 

Video Tutorials

  • Start your FAFSA

  • Gather Information Required to Complete the FAFSA Form

Frequently Asked Questions

Students can make corrections once the initial FAFSA Submission Summaries are distributed. During this time, students can also add or update colleges/universities.

You’ll need to provide the following personal information when creating your account:

  • Name (exactly as it appears on your Social Security card if you have one)
  • Date of birth
  • Email address
  • Social Security number (if you have one)

Because your StudentAid.gov (FSA ID) account gives you access to legal forms, your identity will be verified when creating the account. If you have an SSN, this verification process can take up to three business days.

Visit StudentAid.gov (FSA ID) to check your FAFSA status.

Have Questions?

HESC is here to answer your questions or discuss FAFSA Ready.

Contact us at [email protected].

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Services Corporation

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Albany, NY 12255

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