Plan your school year. List all of the schools that you have applied to -- in case you haven't been accepted your first choice yet. Select the college you think you are most likely to attend to help you plan your finances.
Remember that enrolling as a full-time student for more than a year may net you more student aid than enrolling part time, due to the fact that your financial needs will be greater the longer you attend college. Pay all of your bills -- as well as any outstanding bills you may have -- because the U.S. Department of Education is more likely to grant more financial aid to those who have a higher credit rating.
Gather all of your personal and financial information. Make a list of of your probable expenses vs your income, as your need will be based upon Expected Family Contribution (EFC), your enrollment status (full or part time) and whether you are applying to matriculate for a year or more.
Go online to the FAFSA website. Click the "Start Here" button to begin the application process.
Fill out all of the necessary information, including your Social Security number and tax information so that the U.S. Department of Education is able to determine how much aid you qualify for.
Remember to list the Federal School Codes (as provided by the FAFSA website) of the schools you have applied to and may attend, in the case that you either have not chosen your college or you have not been accepted yet. Sign and submit your FAFSA online using the PIN provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
Try to finance your education with U.S. Department of Education grants or loans before attempting to purchase any private student loans. Go online and search for private college lenders.
Choose which bank and loan you would like to apply for. Compare and contrast these different types of student loans in order to choose the best one for you.
Notice that these loans have less flexible terms, higher interest rates and stricter repayment plans than Federal Student Loans. Remember that you will always pay more for private loans because these loans are backed by the lenders
(that seek to profit from these loans) and not the government.