Hey guys, I'm pretty confused about the whole financial aid part of applying to colleges. I know about the FAFSA, but are you required to file it as part of your college application, or is it just for if you want to get financial aid? I’m trying to figure out all the different parts of the college app and just want to make sure I’m not missing anything!
Hey there! No worries, the financial aid process can definitely be a bit confusing. To answer your question, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is not compulsory for your college application; however, it is essential if you want to be considered for federal financial aid, including loans, grants, and work-study programs. Many colleges also use the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for their own aid programs. If you think there's even a slight chance you'll need assistance paying for college, it's a good idea to file the FAFSA. It's available to fill out starting October 1st each year, and the sooner you apply, the better, as some funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Make sure to check the financial aid deadlines for each college you're applying to, because they can vary. Best of luck with your applications!
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