How Do I Submit the FAFSA?
When?
You should complete the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on or after
October 1 of your senior year of high school and
each year you're in college.
Step 1: Create Your StudentAid.gov Account
To complete the FAFSA, you will need to create a StudentAid.gov account.
This is an account that will enable you to access, complete and
electronically sign your FAFSA.
You're welcome to create your StudentAid.gov account at any time
-- even long before the FAFSA opens -- but allow up to 3 days for
activation. Setting up your account early ensures you're ready to
file your FAFSA immediately once it becomes available.
Every contributor who is required to
provide information on the FAFSA form (you, your biological or
adoptive parent, your parent's spouse, your spouse) needs to create
a StudentAid.gov account.
Step 2: Complete the FAFSA Form
StudentAid.gov provides a series of videos to help you and your
family complete the FAFSA. Get started with the video below then
follow through the playlist for help with each section of the
FAFSA.
For additional help in creating a StudentAid.gov account and
filling out your FAFSA, check out StudentAid.gov.
The FAFSA is an important first step in applying for financial
aid, but some colleges and universities require additional forms
before they can send you an award letter. After submitting your
FAFSA, check with each school you listed to find out exactly what
they need and when it's due -- missing a required form could delay
or reduce your financial aid offer.