Frequently Asked Questions

For your convenience, we've grouped the most frequently asked questions about Need Access into categories:

Completing the Application Data Security Application Process For other helpful information, see

Completing the Application

I’m an independent student. Why am I required to fill in my parents’ financial information?

If your school requires this information, you will be asked to provide your parents’ financial information by the Need Access Application. If you do not want to supply this information, you will need to contact your Financial Aid Office and follow the instructions that are given to you by your school. You can use the Special Circumstances section on the application to provide any further explanation to your situation.

I have no idea if I’ll be working in the coming year or what my income will be. What should I do?

You will need to give an estimate of your income for the coming year and enter that amount for the need analysis to be calculated. If you feel that you need to explain further, type your explanation in the Special Circumstances section in the application. You can use online tools, like Salary.Com to estimate your future earnings.

Can my Need Access Application be submitted in paper form?

No. Need Access applications can only be submitted online.

Should I make a backup copy of the Need Access Application?

Yes. Access Group recommends you make a backup copy of your Need Access Application. Print out a copy of each page of your application after completing every data field on that page and before clicking "Continue >>".

Reminder: Please do not mail paper copies of your online application to Access Group.

If I forget the password(s) to any section of my Need Access Application, can it (they) be retrieved?

You can retrieve your password by using answering the hint question(s) you selected when you set the password. If you are unable to answer your hint question or have technical difficulties, e-mail NeedAccess@accessgroup.org.

Data Security

Is data I provide secure?
All data you send via our file upload process is encrypted using Secure Socket Layer technology

Application Process

How does Need Access work?
As a financial aid application service, Need Access is free to both students and schools, and provides an efficient process that leaves minimal room for error and facilitates a quick turnaround. Below is a summary of the Need Access process:

1. Schools instruct Access Group as to which financial data they want collected from their applicants.
2. The Need Access Application directs you (the applicant) to select the school(s) to which data should be sent. The questions that appear depend upon the school(s) selected.
3. Access Group processes your Need Access Application and transmits your financial data to the school(s) selected.
4. Financial aid administrators at the selected school(s) assess the data and determine your eligibility for institutional funding.

Can I add another school after I’ve sent my information to Access Group?

You can retrieve your application data and add more schools. You may be required to answer additional questions.

Please check the application carefully. (Certain schools require more information than others. Please complete all of the questions required of each school you’ve selected). Submit the second application with the additional payment either by choosing "Submit Application".

What is the deadline to process my Need Access application?

You will need to contact your school(s) to ask the deadline of acceptance for your Need Access Application. Access Group is now accepting 2007-2008 Need Access Applications. Processing of these applications began January 2, 2007, and Need Access will continue to accept 2007-2008 applications through June 30, 2008.

Note: All Need Access applications sent will be processed within 24 hours.

Still more questions?

Call us toll-free at 800-282-1550, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET, or e-mail us at NeedAccess@accessgroup.org with your Need Access questions.