Q&A with Kelly Tanabe

Check out our Q&A session with Kelly Tanabe, co-author of nine books on college planning including, "1001 Ways to Pay for College" and the co-founder of SuperCollege.com.

Findtuition.com: What is the FAFSA?

Tanabe: During the 2006-07 school year more than $97 billion in financial aid was awarded. The only way to get some of this money is to apply for it, and the way to apply is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Findtuition.com: Why fill them out?

Tanabe: In addition to being eligible for student loans, which of course you have to pay back, you'll also be applying for work-study and grants, which do not need to be paid back. Plus, filling out the FAFSA may make you eligible for financial aid from your college, state or scholarship programs.

Findtuition.com: What are some common mistakes?

Tanabe: The most common mistake is missing the deadline of your college. If you miss the deadline, even if you meet the qualifications for aid, you may not receive it. Colleges allocate enough aid for those students who meet the deadline.

Findtuition.com: How should I apply for FAFSA?

Tanabe: Log onto www.fafsa.ed.gov. I highly recommend that you complete the FAFSA online because the Web site will let you know if you are missing required information and will check for errors. Plus, you'll get your results quicker.

Findtuition.com: How will I know it was received?

Tanabe: You'll receive an email confirmation.

This blog was written by Valerie Anderson

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