October 1st marks the opening of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid website for students applying for aid for the 2017-18 academic year. Although many colleges have much later deadlines for submitting the FAFSA, it is in the best interest of students to complete their applications as early as possible.
Increasingly, seniors are submitting their college applications for Early Decision and/or Early Action consideration. Completing your FAFSA early is more likely to result in your receiving your financial aid package close to the time that you learn about your acceptance. Knowing early about your family’s net cost for a particular college will allow you to make an informed decision.
Both the student and one parent will need an FSA ID. The FSA ID is used to confirm your identity when you access your financial aid information and also allows you to electronically sign your federal student aid documents. Click here to create your FSA ID.
Follow these three steps:
1. Enter your log-in information.
Provide your email address, a unique username, and password, and verify that you are at least 13 years old.
2. Enter your personal information.
Provide your Social Security number, name, and date of birth.
Include your mailing address, e-mail address, telephone number, and language preference.
For security purposes, provide answers to five challenge questions.
3. Submit your FSA ID information.
Agree to the terms and conditions.
Verify your e-mail address.
Once created, you’ll be ready to complete your FAFSA.
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