Create a Document List

In this video, you will determine your dependency status and list the documents that you will need to complete the FAFSA in your spreadsheet.

Completing the FAFSA requires preparation and organization.

Using a digital tool like a spreadsheet can help you keep track of all of the documents you'll need.

To figure out what documents you need, first you need to find out your dependency status.

Federal student aid programs need to know if you are a dependent student or an independent student.

A "dependent student" receives financial support from parents or guardians.

When applying for aid, you will need to include your parents' or guardians' information.

An independent student is at least 24 years old, married, a graduate or professional student, a veteran or a member of the armed forces, an orphan or a ward of the court.

Or someone with legal dependents other than a spouse, an emancipated minor, or someone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

As an independent student, when applying for aid, you will only include your own information.

Or if you are married, you will also include your spouse's information.

To learn more about your dependency status, click on the link next to this video to go to the FAFSA Dependency Status page.

Review the table of questions to determine your dependency status.

Then, you need to find out which documents you will need to complete the FAFSA.

Go to the top of the website and hover your mouse over the category "FAFSA Form." Select "How to Fill Out the FAFSA Form." And in the table of contents on the left-hand side of the page, select "Gathering the Documents Needed to Apply." Review the documents listed to determine which ones you will need to collect.

Next, go to your spreadsheet and create a column header for the documents you need.

Headers help you quickly and easily identify what information is listed and sorted in the column below.

Bold your header to make it stand out.

In the documents column, type the list of documents you will need to gather.

For example, you may need the following information or documents to fill out your FAFSA application: your Social Security Number, your Driver's License, Tax Returns, Bank Statements, or Business and Investment Records.

Type one list item in each cell.

A cell is a box that contains a single piece of information.

Everyone's situation is different.

The documents you list in your spreadsheet may be different from the example shown on screen.

Depending on your situation, some documents may be yours, and others may be from your parents or guardians.

Add as many documents as you need.

Now, it's your turn: determine your dependency status on the FAFSA website, identify what documents you'll need, create a column header for documents, and list the documents you need to gather in the documents column.