When should I apply for the FAFSA?

Question

I am about to begin my Sr. year of college for the 2008-2009 semseter. I am going to attend college in the Fall 2009 semester. When should I apply for the FAFSA?

Answer 1

I think you meant your senior year of high school, right? ;-D

The FAFSA form that you will use to apply for financial aid for the 2009-2010 academic year (next year) will be available soon after January 1st.

Here's my advice. You and your parents should complete your 2008 tax returns as soon as possible, because you're going to need several numbers from the form(s) in order to complete the FAFSA. If you or your parents have to wait to receive your W-2 forms, you should have those sometime in January.

Once you've completed your returns, do your FAFSA immediately thereafter. You won't necessarily qualify for more money that way, but you will buy yourself some really useful peace of mind in the midst of all of the school application headaches and anxiety.

You don't even need to wait until you have been accepted to a particular college, because you or the college can always notify the Department of Education when you're ready to send your financial information to a particular school.

When you're ready to apply, just make sure that you're using the 2009-2010 FAFSA, because this year's FAFSA will still be online and available to students looking for aid for the spring and summer semesters of this year.

Good luck to you - I hope that helped!

Answer 2

Feb/March of your senior year in high school and after your parents have completed their tax forms.

Answer 3

As soon as your taxes are done for 2008. You're more likely to get more funding the earlier that you apply.

Congradulations your almost finished I bet this is exciting for you!