Apply as soon after January 1 as possible to meet OSU's priority deadline (before March 1). This will give you the best chance of receiving the strongest financial aid package from limited funds. Check with other schools for their deadlines.
If you have not done your taxes, you may estimate tax information on the FAFSA using your final pay stub for the year, or your previous year's taxes if your financial situation is similar. You will be able to correct this information at a later time with the updated information.
For faster processing of your FAFSA online, apply for a PIN for yourself and, if you are a dependent, your parent at www.pin.ed.gov.
Please write your name and OSU Student ID number on all forms submitted to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and always retain copies of all forms for your records.
Make copies of your taxes and W2 forms in case the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships requests these documents.
Read your Student Aid Report/Information Acknowledgment for accuracy and for important messages regarding your financial aid eligibility.
See other FAFSA hints at: www.fafsa.ed.gov/faq001.htm