Many students are filing out a pell grant application. It seems like there is a different language of these applications. There are many abbreviations being used, some of which you will also see as you are informed about your pell grant status. You might be shy to ask your best friend some basic information that he or she uses in every sentence of his or hers. Here is a mini glossary that might help you grasp the whole process better, in addition to understanding what you really have at hand once you are told your status.
FAFSA: This is one of the most basic abbreviations you will hear. The long version is Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This is the application you have submitted for your Federal Pell Grant as well. You can make use of this application for all other types of financial aid the federal state provides as well as applying for a pell grant.
SAR: This is the abbreviation for Student Aid Report. The result of your Pell Grant Application will be demonstrated with this report. You will receive a copy of this via e-mail if you have provided a valid e-mail address. If not, you should expect to receive a copy via regular post. The financial aid office of the school you will be attending will also receive a copy of this report. The report will be taken into consideration to give the final decision regarding your Pell Grant application.
EFC: This is the Expected Family Contribution score. You will see what score you have on your Student Aid Report. The score is based on the financial information you have submitted in your application for Federal Pell Grants. It is possible to calculate this score manually as well, but it would take a long time to deal with the formula. The lower your Expected Family Contribution is, the more chances for you to be awarded the Pell Grant. In case you are awarded, a lower Expected Family Contribution will mean a higher amount of grant. However, keep in mind that your tuition fees also play a role in the amount of your Pell Grant.
DRA: This abbreviation stands for Data Release Number. It is a four-digit number that you will see on your Student Aid Report, on the upper right corner. Each applicant has his or her own Data Release Number. You will also see this on the electronic version of your Student Aid Report, and on your confirmation page. When you want to make a change to your Free Application for Federal Student Aid information regarding your permanent mailing address, e-mail address, phone number, school code or housing plan, you can provide this number to a customer service representative. You may also share the number with your financial aid administrator, but other than these, you are not advised to share it with other people, as it is unique to you.