Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is perhaps the most important step in securing funds for a college education. Scholarships, grants, and other student loan alternatives are always the best sources for college funding, since it is money for college that you will not have to repay. However, most students will need some form of student loans, and the best student loans are often federal student loans, which you can usually access only after completing the FAFSA. Here are 10 FAFSA Tips: Applying for Federal Financial Aid:
Alright, let’s talk FAFSA! Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is without a doubt one of the most crucial steps in getting financial support for your college journey. Whether you’re dreaming of a degree in computer science or chasing a business major, getting the right financial aid can make a big difference. Scholarships and grants are the holy grail of college funding (because, seriously, free money that doesn’t need to be repaid? Yes, please!), but let’s be real: most students will need some form of student loans.
When it comes to loans, federal student loans are typically the best option because they usually offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment plans than private loans. That’s why you need to make sure you complete your FAFSA early and accurately. Let’s dive into some updated FAFSA tips to help you get the most out of this process!
Applying early for FAFSA is still a game-changer. The federal FAFSA deadline is generally June 30 following the end of the academic year you’re applying for, but many states and colleges have much earlier priority deadlines for their own aid.
Some types of aid (such as certain state grants, school-based grants, and work-study funds) are limited and may be awarded on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis. Filing early gives you the best shot at the maximum amount of aid you qualify for.
CollegeWhale Tip: File as soon as the FAFSA opens for your award year. Early filing can help you qualify for limited state and school funds that may run out.
The sooner you submit your FAFSA, the sooner you’ll get a clearer picture of your financial aid options—and the sooner you can focus on classes instead of stressing over how to pay for them.
FAFSA now uses “prior-prior” year tax information. That means you report income from two years before the start of the academic year. For example, the 2025–26 FAFSA uses 2023 tax information. In many cases, your required tax return will already be filed by the time the FAFSA becomes available.For a full walkthrough of the FAFSA form, timelines, and what to expect, see our step-by-step overview on FAFSA and Financial Aid.
If, for some reason, your required tax return isn’t filed yet or your situation changes significantly, you should still complete the FAFSA as soon as possible using the most accurate information you have. You can correct or update certain information later if needed, or work with your school’s financial aid office if your current situation is very different from what’s on your taxes.
CollegeWhale Tip: Don’t delay your FAFSA just to wait on newer tax returns. Use the tax year FAFSA asks for, submit early, and update or appeal with your school if your situation changes.
You only need to complete one FAFSA form per award year, no matter how many colleges you apply to. On that single form, you’ll list the schools you want to receive your information. The online FAFSA lets you include multiple schools, and you can log back in later to add or update your school list if you need to.
So, don’t waste time filing separate FAFSAs for each college—one form covers them all.
If you’re applying to private colleges or certain more selective institutions, they may require additional financial-aid forms beyond the FAFSA. For example, some schools use an institutional aid form or another application to determine eligibility for their own grants and scholarships.
The FAFSA is still your starting point for federal aid, but don’t assume it’s the only form you’ll need. Always check the financial aid requirements on each school’s website so you don’t miss anything.
CollegeWhale Tip: After filing FAFSA, visit each school’s financial aid page to see if they require any extra forms or documents for institutional scholarships or grants.
Mistakes on the FAFSA can delay processing and sometimes reduce your aid. Common errors include entering the wrong Social Security number, mixing up student and parent information, leaving answers blank instead of entering “0” when appropriate, or using nicknames instead of legal names.
Before you hit submit, carefully review every section—especially your name, Social Security number, date of birth, dependency status, and income information for you and your parents (if applicable).
CollegeWhale Tip: Slow down and read each field carefully. A few extra minutes of review now can prevent weeks of delays later.
Filing the FAFSA is a major step, but some schools will still need more information from you before they can finalize your aid. This might include tax transcripts, W-2s, verification of household size, or proof of unusual circumstances.
Many students are selected for a process called “verification,” where the school confirms that the information on the FAFSA is accurate. This doesn’t mean you did anything wrong—it’s just part of the process. But if you ignore those requests, your aid can be delayed or even canceled.
Be sure to check your email and your school’s online portal regularly so you don’t miss any requests for additional documents.
This can’t be said enough: do not miss FAFSA deadlines. There are three types you should pay attention to:
CollegeWhale Tip: Put all your FAFSA-related deadlines (federal, state, and each school’s) into your calendar and set reminders. Missing one could cost you thousands in aid.
The easiest and fastest way to complete the FAFSA is online at StudentAid.gov. The online form uses skip logic and built-in checks to reduce errors and can process more quickly than a paper form.
To sign and submit your FAFSA online, you and (if required) your parent will each need an FSA ID—a username and password that replaces the old PIN system. You’ll use this FSA ID to log in, sign your FAFSA, and access your financial aid information.
Create your FSA ID ahead of time so you’re ready to file without delays.
CollegeWhale Tip: Set up your FSA ID at StudentAid.gov a few days before you plan to file. Don’t share this login with anyone else—it’s your official digital signature.
If you get stuck or something doesn’t make sense, don’t guess—ask. There are plenty of resources available, from FAFSA help tools and official guides to your school’s financial aid office and your high school counselor.
Getting clear answers up front is better than submitting incorrect information and having to fix it later.
CollegeWhale Tip: When in doubt, reach out. A quick call, chat, or email to financial aid can save you time and prevent costly mistakes.
After you submit your FAFSA and it’s processed, you’ll receive your FAFSA Submission Summary (this replaced what used to be called the Student Aid Report or SAR). This summary shows the information you submitted and provides an overview of your eligibility for federal student aid.
Review this summary carefully to make sure everything is correct. If you spot an error, you can make corrections. Colleges you listed on the FAFSA will use this information to put together your financial aid offer, which may include grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.
CollegeWhale Tip: Keep a copy of your FAFSA Submission Summary and compare each school’s financial aid offer side by side so you can clearly see which option is most affordable.
Completing the FAFSA doesn’t have to be overwhelming—just take it one step at a time, stay organized, and follow these tips to get the most out of your financial aid. The FAFSA is your ticket to federal student loans, grants, and often state and school-based aid, so don’t skip it. Apply early, double-check your information, keep track of deadlines, and respond quickly to any follow-up requests.
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