Do I need to fill out FAFSA for the Common App?

Hi everyone, I'm in the process of applying to college and I'm a bit confused about the relation between the Common App and FAFSA. Do I need to fill out my FAFSA before sending my Common App or are they completely separate?

While the Common Application and FAFSA are both important components in the college application process, they are separate entities and do not rely on each other to be submitted.

The Common Application is primarily focused on gathering your personal, academic, and extracurricular information as well as your application essays for undergraduate admissions. On the other hand, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is used to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid, such as grants, work-study programs, and loans.

You do not need to complete the FAFSA before submitting your Common Application, as they have different deadlines. The FAFSA becomes available on October 1 each year, and it is recommended to submit it as soon as possible since some financial aid funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Each college may have its own financial aid deadline, so be sure to check the specific requirements for the schools you're applying to.

Remember to keep track of all the deadlines for each of your applications, whether it's the Common Application, FAFSA, or any supplemental applications and materials, and be prepared to submit them in a timely manner. Good luck with the application process!