All students who plan to attend college during the 2013-14 school year should file a FAFSA. It is the basis of nearly all financial aid programs. Many merit scholarships are awarded only after a student has demonstrated that they can not qualify for need based aid. Therefore, it is important for all students who are applying for financial aid, regardless of family income, to complete the FAFSA by February 15, 2013 if possible. This is the priority deadline for many colleges. Students can receive aid by applying after Feb15, but their award is likely to be less.
- The second step is to go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ and fill out the form. High school students will need their income and tax information and also their parent's information from 2011.
