Obtain a copy of the U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid form, known as the FAFSA. You can fill out the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov and not have a paper copy if you prefer, but having a copy allows you to look at the form prior to filling it out, so you can get an idea of what types of questions it contains and how long it will take.
Apply for a PIN number through the website. When you go to the website, look to the left-hand side of the page; under their first step, click on "Students and Parents Apply for a PIN." The site will ask you for personal information, including your Social Security number. It is important to apply for your PIN before you fill out the application. After you fill out the form to receive a PIN, you will receive one via your personal email within a day or so. It is important to apply for your PIN before you fill out the application, because you use the PIN number to sign it. If you fill out the application first, you will not be able to submit it until you get your PIN.
Fill out the FAFSA as soon as your PIN arrives. The FAFSA is basically a shortened tax form with a number of additional questions: where you intend to go to school, where you intend to live and what your intended major is. If you haven't yet narrowed down your college choices to one, you can list up to four possibilities on the FAFSA. It is possible to fill out the FAFSA on paper and mail it in, but keep in mind that it will take longer to process.
Sign your FAFSA using your PIN number and make a copy for your own records. Within a few days, you should receive an email informing you that your FAFSA was received and that it will take several weeks to process. You can check on the progress of your FAFSA at any time by going to the website and using your PIN for access. You can also make changes to your FAFSA, but make sure the changes are in before the due date.
Wait several weeks for the results of your FAFSA. The full results will be sent not to you, but to the school you will be attending. The school itself will send you information in the mail. Whether or not you hear from your school, contact them after three weeks. They will be able to tell you what aid did and did not qualify for, and will assist you with any additional paperwork you may need to fill out to directly apply for that aid.