Submitting your FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your starting point for most student financial assistance programs. Many states and schools also use the FAFSA as part of their application process for non-federal aid.
The FAFSA is a comprehensive form. Be prepared to provide extensive information about your family's income and income taxes from the previous year, assets, family size, the number of family members attending college, and more.
To maximize your chances of getting student financial aid, submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1 of the year for which you are requesting aid.
If you apply before January 1 or without a Social Security number, your application will not be processed.
If you plan to start college in September 2010, submit the FAFSA on January 2, 2010 (or soon after).
Understanding the FAFSA
You'll need to submit a FAFSA every year you're in college. It takes time, but getting help to pay for college can definitely make your efforts worthwhile.