Gather the most recent tax returns for yourself, if you have filed taxes, and your parents. If your parents are divorced, use the tax return for the parent who provides you with the most support.
Determine where you might want to attend school, and make a note of those schools' estimated cost of attendance. You can complete the FAFSA4caster with different numbers for estimated cost of attendance to see how more expensive schools impact your out-of-pocket cost.
Log on to the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid website and click on "FAFSA4caster."
Follow the prompts and enter the information about your household as required. The website offers tips for each question.
Add the optional cost of attendance information about the schools you are considering. This will give you a more accurate estimate of your aid package.
Click "Finish" to see your estimated federal financial aid and expenses.
Log on to the U.S. Department of Education's PIN website and request a personal identification number. Your parent also needs to apply for a PIN. Your PIN is your electronic signature.
Log on to the Federal Student Aid website. This application is always free.
Verify the application deadlines for your state, as well as the federal deadline. Your school or university may also have a deadline for financial aid applications. It is important to apply as early as possible, because some funds do run out.
Search for your college or university's school code. FAFSA will send your financial aid application directly to your school. The school can then determine your eligibility for state and local aid.
Complete the FAFSA and submit it online. In three to five days, you will receive an email with a link to your Student Aid Report, or SAR. It will include your expected family contribution, or EFC. This is one of the ways colleges formulate your aid package.