Potential Magazine Winter 2018 | Page 93

Take a deep breath...and begin. STEP 01 STEP 02 STEP 03 STUDENT DEMOGRAPHICS Here’s exactly what you’ll need to submit: • Legal name • Social Security Number • Birthdate • Permanent home address • Email address Don’t use your school email address! Use one you’ll still have access to after you graduate. • Driver’s License number • Citizenship status • Gender M  ales will automatically be registered for Selective Service, the system used to draft young men into the armed service in times of need. Young men are required by law to register with the Selec- tive Service when they reach the age of 18. • Consideration for work study program • Parents’ level of education If a parent attended college but did not graduate, mark high school graduate— this may qualify you for more aid! • Prior drug convictions Select “No” to this question if: 1. You have never been convicted for possessing or selling illegal drugs. 2. The conviction was not a state or Federal offense. 3. The conviction occurred before you were 18 years of age and you were not tried as an adult. 4. The conviction was removed from your record. SCHOOL SELECTION You can select up to six schools you want to send your FAFSA report. In this section, you’ll have to fill out: • Name and city of your high school • Current grade level • Degree/certification you’re pursuing • W  hether you will be staying on campus or not Choose the schools you want, and enter their six-digit federal school code to make sure they receive your report. TIP: Look these codes up on Google! DEPENDENCY STATUS Most high school students are considered dependent, but there are exceptions. You are only considered an independent student if you meet any of the following criteria: • At least 24 years old • Married • Graduate or professional student • Veteran • Member of the armed forces • Orphan or ward of the court • Have legal dependents other than a spouse • Emancipated minor, or • Homeless or at risk of becoming homeless www.potentialmagazine.com Winter 2018 | 45