STEP 5: Student Aid Report
After we've submitted your FAFSA form to the Department of Education (affectionately referred to as "ED"), within just a few days you'll receive an email from ED notifying you that your data has been received and that you may log onto the FAFSA website (www.fafsa.gov) to retrieve your Student Aid Report (SAR). We've prepared a short video for you demonstrating the SAR retrieval process.
(When you're finished close the application window and you'll return to this page.)
Managing Your SAR
The SAR is a very important document. You should retrieve (download) it, check it for accuracy and keep it for future reference. We recommend you keep a "soft" copy (PDF) on your computer. If your LEVEL of service with GetCollegeFunding included our College Planning NAVIGATOR, you should also print out the SAR and file behind TAB 9: FinAid Forms/Awards/Appeals.
Review the SAR for accuracy. If you observe ANY errors, notify us immediately. Email the SAR to us and note the line item that is in error as well as the correct data, as well as any explanations, as appropriate.
More Than 10 Colleges?
The FAFSA form accommodates a maximum of 10 colleges. So if your student has applied to more than 10 schools - let's say 15, don't worry! You'll see only the first 10 colleges on your first SAR. Within a few days, you'll receive another email from ED notifying you that your next SAR is ready to retrieve. This second SAR will include the remaining 5 colleges. You should follow the same instructions as for the first SAR - download, save, print and file.
IMPORTANT NOTE on the SAR
EVERY time a change is made to the FAFSA - whether generated by us, a college, or ED - a new SAR is generated and you'll receive notification from ED. You should follow the procedure above for every SAR generated by ED.
Checklist Instructions
- Enter the date you retrieved your initial SAR
- If your student is applying to more than 10 schools, enter the date your retrieved your second SAR