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How to get answers to financial questions

At first glance, financial aid applications are a blur of confusing terms and strange abbreviations. In fact, they can be just as confusing at second and third glance.

That's why it's important to call in the experts. First, your parents: talk with them about ways to meet college costs. Next, your guidance counselor, who will help you get the applications and information you need.

The process starts when you fill out a form called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can fill out the form online or get one in your guidance counselor's office. Some colleges may require another form called the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile. Finally, each college may have its own financial aid forms.

About four weeks after you submit your FAFSA, the government will send you a Student Aid Report (SAR), which includes your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)—the dollar amount that you and your family can afford to pay for college. This information will be sent automatically to the colleges you list on your FAFSA form. The colleges use the SAR to create a financial aid package for you. Once a college admits you, that college will send you a Financial Aid Award Notification, detailing your financial aid package.

It sounds complicated. But you'll have help, from your high school counselors and from college financial aid officers. If you ask, they'll help you get the answers you need.