Go to the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Web site and click on the "Federal Student Aid Programs" link on the left side of the page (click on the reference link below to go directly there.)
Read about the grants you qualify for. Undergraduate students might consider a Federal Pell Grant (amounts vary), available for a lifetime limit of 18 semesters. Other students in their first or second academic year might qualify for the Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), which awards a maximum of $750 the first year and a maximum of $1,300 the second year.
Complete the application if you qualify for any of the grants listed. Answer every question accurately and review it before you submit.
Sign the application electronically by getting a PIN number, or print, sign and then mail the signature page physically. You must have a signature on file in order to complete your application.
Look for FAFSA to follow-up within one to three weeks once you've completed the application. You will get a Student Aid Report (SAR) detailing what you're eligible for.
Check to make sure the school(s) you added on your application has also received the copy of your SAR to apply any grants toward your tuition. FAFSA automatically sends it if you've included the school information.