Give yourself enough time. Find a quiet place and time to complete the form without interruption.

Pull out last year's tax return. If you haven't filed a return yet, do that before you apply for financial aid. If you can't find last year's return, call Student Financial Services at the school and we'll help you get a copy from the IRS. It is important to keep a copy of your tax return because you may be asked for proof of income.

Get Organized. Gather your personal and family financial records. Here is a checklist of records you may need:

• Last year's federal tax returns
• Savings account and investment statements
• Installment and mortgage loan payment books
• Information relating to income and including wages, dividends, Social Security benefits, welfare benefits, alimony or child support, Veterans' Administration benefits and disability benefits.

Involve other family members who must provide information. If your family supports you, your parent(s) may need to complete the form - for instance, if one of your parents claimed you as a deduction on his or her federal tax return. You do not include parental financial information if you are: over 24 years old, a veteran, a ward of the court, an orphan, married, or supporting legal dependents.

Follow instructions that come with the form and fill out the form using a pen with dark ink, preferably black. The form instructions explain how to correct mistakes.

Mark answers to questions only in the spaces provided. Be specific; a range of figures such as $200-$300 will not be accepted.

Complete as much of the form as you can before calling the school for help. As you go along, note your questions on a separate piece of paper. Then, when you call us, we can answer all of your questions.

Remember to sign the form in Step 6. A parent must also sign if he or she contributed to the information on the form.