Can I submit FAFSA after sending in my college application?

I've already submitted my college apps but haven't completed my FAFSA yet. Is it okay to submit it afterward, and will it affect my financial aid chances or timeline? Would appreciate any advice on this!

Certainly, you can submit your FAFSA after sending in your college application. These two processes operate on different timelines. Colleges typically have deadlines in the late fall or early winter for admission, while the FAFSA for the next academic year becomes available on October 1 and typically remains open until June 30.

However, you should be aware that some financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The sooner you submit your FAFSA, the better your chances of receiving the maximum amount of aid. This is especially true if your family's income is lower because you might qualify for need-based aid that may run out if you wait too long.

Also, keep in mind that individual colleges may have their deadlines for financial aid applications, and these could be earlier than the federal FAFSA deadline. Therefore, you should check the financial aid deadlines for each college you're applying to and strive to submit your FAFSA as soon as possible to maximize your eligibility.

While submitting your FAFSA after your college applications won't necessarily impact your chance of admission, it might impact the financial aid package you're initially offered, because colleges might give out aid on a rolling basis and funds might run out.

Remember that you can always update your FAFSA if your financial situation changes and colleges will adjust your financial aid package accordingly. The important thing is to fill it out and submit it as soon as you're able!