Don't wait until you get a college acceptance letter to apply for aid, as some grants and scholarships may be gone. Check with the Admissions Office for deadlines.

Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and TAP applications as soon as possible Having Fafsa trouble? call the Department of Education at 1-800-4-FEDAID.

Missing a financial aid deadline can jeopardize your eligibility. Save time by gathering all of the financial records you'll need (from income tax returns to mortgage information) before you and your family dive into your forms.

Income information that you report on your tax returns (IRS forms 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ) is used on financial aid applications. While you don't have to file your return before you complete your applications, it will be much easier and faster to finish if you have at least completed a rough draft of your tax return.

Describe any unusual circumstances that might affect your family's ability to pay for college If you believe that there are circumstances that aren't reflected on the financial aid forms, contact the Office of Finanical Aid directly at 585-594-6636.

Complete all forms accurately, completely, and legibly Inaccurate, incorrect, or missing information can cause delays in processing your applications. Don't leave any blanks on the FAFSA. If the answer is 0, then type

Provide all the information requested on the forms For instance, if your answer is zero, enter a zero. Don't just leave the question blank. This will speed review of your application.

Use the same name on all financial aid forms. In order to complete your file and assess your eligibility, RWC and the federal government will need to match up your records from several sources. Inconsistencies will slow the process.

Whether you're completing the application on paper or online, keep a copy of each form for your records. You may need to refer to a particular form if we ask for additional information.

Follow through After you submit your forms, sort carefully through any financial aid material you receive in the mail, such as confirmations or requests for additional information. If additional information is needed, send it as soon as possible. If you find errors, address them quickly. When it comes to applying for aid, time is money. As deadlines near, be sure to contact the office to confirm that your information has been received. Access to financial aid may be dependent on meeting

This is important whether you want to renew previous aid or try again to qualify. Even if you don't qualify one year, there is a chance you will the next, either because of increased tuition and fees or changed family circumstances, such as divorce or a sibling beginning college.

Parents should actively encourage student involvement in the financial aid process. A student's understanding of how their educational costs will affect the entire family's finances will allow families to make decisions together. Students also need to take responsibility for completing forms and insuring deadlines are met. RWC will most often contact the student directly during the school year. Failure to respond to certain requests can result in delay of funds and/or cancellation of certain awards.