What exactly is FAFSA? Well, FAFSA means Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Generally, many can fill out this form to apply for federal and state student grants, work-study and loans. Grants awarded are based on the student’s financial needs and don’t need to be repaid. Loans are given to those who are not eligible for grants and must be repaid. It is known that paying for college is a tough thing to do, therefore, FAFSA is one of the most important steps that students and their families can take to pay for college.

How exactly can we apply? There are three simple steps throughout this process. Firstly, you need to check the deadline dates and get your application in as early as possible. Secondly, create your FAFSA account or “PIN” and then sign in with your “PIN”. Following this, you should fill out the application. Keep in mind, you must stay truthful to all information you are providing and not share any of your information to others. Finally, after you’ve submitted your FAFSA and it processes, you will receive your Student Aid Report in about three to fourteen days or longer depending on if you submitted the application online or by paper.

To all my fellow peers, I would greatly recommend FAFSA as it attains helpful benefits to us after high school. As we all know, college is one of the most significant factors of our lives and we should all take advantage of this wonderful opportunity that makes us one step closer into paying for college. The deadline for the 2019-2020 academic year is midnight, Central Time, June 30, 2020. Also, the deadline for the 2020-2021 academic year is midnight, Central Time, June 30, 2021. Remember, the earlier you file, the more grant money you are likely to receive… up to twice as much!