Before You Begin

A little preparation goes a long way!
Gather what you need, know your deadlines, and set yourself up for a smoother financial aid experience.

Know which form applies to you (FAFSA or TASFA).

1. Gather required documents: your Social Security Number, your parent(s)’ tax return (two years prior), driver’s license, and list of schools.

2. Tip: You can list up to 20 schools on the new FAFSA (previously only 10) — and you should.
   Many students list only one or two schools because they think that’s where they’ll attend, but plans can change. You might not get accepted, you might change your mind, or you may decide on a different college in the summer. If that school wasn’t listed on your FAFSA, your financial aid won’t be sent there — which can delay your grants from being processed or disbursed. Listing more schools now prevents delays later, especially during August when campuses are busiest. It’s much better to list any school you’re even considering than to add it last-minute and risk your aid arriving late.

3. Apply early—some aid is first-come, first-served

4. Many colleges have priority deadlines (e.g., Jan 15, Feb 1)—applying late might mean less aid.

   Example:

   • If the FAFSA opens October 1 and you wait until March, you may miss out on state grants or school-based aid that already ran out

5. Keep in Mind: Each application covers the next academic year. For example, if you’re a senior in high school, you’ll apply starting October 1 to receive aid for your first year of college — typically Fall 2026 and Spring 2027. Submitting early helps ensure your aid is ready before classes begin.

6. Action Step: Create a secure folder or document to store all your login credentials.

Recap:

• Apply every year you’re in college

• Aid is split by semester (e.g., half in fall, half in spring)

• Aid comes in 3 types:

🟢 Grants (free money)

🟡 Work-Study (paid part-time job)

🔴 Loans (you repay later—some with interest)