Prepare for the application process by gathering your financial documents. You'll need a high school diploma and have to demonstrate financial need to qualify for help. You may also need to have a specific career goal in mind to qualify for certain grants.
Access the Internet and go to fafsa.ed.gov. This is the Pell grant application which is the first step in the financial aid process. In most cases you'll need to receive the Pell grant to be eligible for other grants or scholarships.
Choose a Personal Identification Number using the link in box number one. You'll need the PIN to sign digital documents and open your account in the future. Retrieve your school code from the list provided in the same section.
Proceed to the second column, "Filling out a FAFSA." Start answering questions and only the ones that pertain to you will appear. Once you've answered all the questions sign the documents using the PIN you established. Submit the application for processing.
Inquire about the status of your application by logging in with your PIN. Click on "FAFSA Follow Up." When your benefit amount has been determined you'll receive a Student Aid Report which your college of choice will receive electronically. The Pell Grant will be applied to your school bill and any excess amount will be distributed to you according to the policy in place at your school.
Apply for the TEACH (Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education) if you are pursuing a teaching degree and can commit to the requirements. If you accept the grant you'll have to spend the four years after graduating teaching at a school with high needs or a school that services low-income students. Failure to comply with the terms of the agreement will result in repayment of the grant at an unsubsidized rate.