How do I fill out the FAFSA?

Concerns & risks

You were trying to get money for college, but you opened the FAFSA for the first time and it looks like a tax form from another planet.

Missing the FAFSA means missing aid.

Causes & evidence

Apply at StudentAid.gov. See FAFSA basics.

What to do

1. Create a StudentAid.gov account (and parent contributor if needed).
2. Gather tax info and records.
3. List the schools you're considering.
4. Submit and check for your FAFSA Submission Summary.

Common mistakes: Common mistakes: starting on an unofficial site. The real form is at StudentAid.gov, and filing it is free; nobody should charge you. Create your StudentAid.gov account first, and if you're a dependent student, your parent or other contributor needs their own account too. Each person gives consent to pull federal tax information directly from the IRS, which saves typing. Have your Social Security number, tax info, and records of savings and investments ready. List every school you're considering, since you can send the results to multiple schools. Read each question slowly, and don't guess on family size or income. Save your confirmation and check your FAFSA Submission Summary for errors. If your family's finances changed a lot since the tax year used, contact the financial aid office; they can sometimes adjust. Ask your school counselor or a local college access program if you get stuck.

Speed Man tip: Check state and school deadlines; some aid is first-come.

Wrap-up: Create account. Gather info. Submit early.