Begin the Federal Pell Grant application process as early as possible within the fiscal year during which college attendance is desired to begin. Apply when all required tax filing information is complete and available to you for reporting. Prospective students don't have to have decided on a particular school or be accepted to a college program before applying. Once obtained, student information can be sent to any accredited school. In 2011, an online application process is available in addition to traditional paper packet forms that must be mailed.
Check to ensure that all college programs or institutions that interest you are accredited by the U.S. Department of Education so Federal Pell Grant award monies can legally be applied for attendance. Do this either by checking with the institution's on-campus financial aid office or through the online U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
Fill out the FAFSA either by picking up an application through the campus financial aid office or filling out an online application form. Submit all required financial information regarding yourself as well as your parents if you were claimed as a dependent by them the previous year. Proof of tax returns, state identification and residency information as well as savings information will be required.
Ensure that you apply directly to the U.S. Department of Education FAFSA program so there will be no application fee. Be aware that fee-based college aid preparation services are also available. These providers charge a service fee to apply to FAFSA and seek, in addition, other private and public methods of financial aid. You should only pay a fee if you opt to use one of these non-governmental service providers.
Make copies of the Student Aid Report (SAR) information, which will be sent to you upon completion of the application process. The Estimated Family Contribution (EFC), upon which the Pell Grant award will be based, is listed on the report as well as the school codes where the SAR information has been sent. Update any financial or eligibility information through the FAFSA on the website or through the campus financial aid office as necessary to keep your information current.