Students apply for financial aid online

Cal State Long Beach students interested in getting money for college can do it millennium style by applying online.

"There has been an increase in people who are applying for financial aid through the Internet," said Gloria Kapp, director of financial aid at CSULB.

She elaborated about the differences between applying for financial aid through regular means and through the Internet.

"The Internet is more error free in terms of filling for financial aid when compared to the regular means of filling," Kapp said. "We find that if students enter the information themselves it is more accurate."

It is becoming a trend in the California State University system to apply for financial aid and admissions online, according to Kapp.

Some things are needed before CSULB students can apply for financial aid online. The student must have a Macintosh or personal computer with the following: a phone line, modem "or direct connection to the Internet," according to a pamphlet from Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Access to the Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator is needed.

Some documents are needed and they include: W-2 forms, current bank statements, federal income tax returns, records of untaxed benefits received, and records of other savings and investments.

CSULB students interested in applying for financial aid online must go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and fill out the application. Just follow the steps outlined and continue the process of applying for financial aid on the Internet.
 Some CSULB students have already applied for financial aid on the Internet.

"I applied through the Internet my first year," said Gina Cassler, a senior kinesiology major. "I like it. It's quicker, faster and has improved from previous semesters."

One CSULB student did not even know the service existed.

"I didn't know that you could apply for financial aid through the Internet," said Gabrielle Anderson, a senior majoring in graphic design.

"I think that it's good that CSULB students can apply for financial aid on the Internet."

Kapp said: "The priority deadline for students that wanted financial aid was on March 2. But students can still apply for it after the deadline. I would encourage any one who is interested in financial to apply as soon as possible."