How do I … Fill out the FAFSA form?

What you need to know

The best way to get the most aid is to apply early. You can send in your FAFSA as early as Jan. 1, but no later than the end of June for the upcoming school year. The sooner you apply the better; aid is usually given out on a first-come, first-served basis.

Filling out a FAFSA:

• Get all the needed documents together.
• Print out the FAFSA on the Web work sheet. By filling this form out first, you are essentially completing the FAFSA form and just need to transfer that information online. It starts off easy, but gets next to impossible pretty quickly, so keep your patience and take breaks as needed. Help is available on the FAFSA Web site.
• Fill out the FAFSA online and submit.
• Wait to receive your Student Aid Report, or SAR. Go over it for any errors, and get problems corrected quickly. Again, the clock is ticking on that student cash.