With summer coming to an end, everyone begins to shift their focus to school prep. The majority of students worry about upcoming classes and supplies, but upcoming seniors and those currently in college have a lot more to consider than their class schedule. They need to plan ahead financially and begin their FAFSA prep now. Students should file the FAFSA on or soon after October 1st, 2025, which is when the application opens. While October 1st is more of a start date than an actual deadline to file, I encourage you to think of it like a deadline.
Why? Because, the earlier you complete and file your application, the more likely you are to receive the max amount of aid. Waiting until the FAFSA cut off date could cost you. Students who file early tend to get more funding than students who file later, as funding is awarded on a first come, first serve basis. This is why filing early is so crucial! Begin gathering necessary information now, before the October 1 release of the FAFSA, so you are ready to file early and maximize your aid.
Now that we know the importance of filing as soon as possible, here are the items you need to prepare and gather beforehand, so you are ready to hit the ground running.
Create Your FSA ID
First things first, you won’t be able to do anything with your FSA ID (Federal Student Aid ID), so make sure you have that set up first. Your ID acts as your electronic signature, and you’ll use it to sign and submit your application. Remember, both you and a parent will need one!
To create your FSA ID, go to studentaid.gov/fsa-id. You’ll need to provide your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and other details. If you’ve already created your ID, good job working ahead! It is worth it to log in just to make sure there are no issues logging in!
What to Gather Before October 1st
Now that you have your FSA ID, next you need to begin gathering all your documents. In order to file, you will need a lot of personal and financial info, and it is so much easier to have it all together and ready before you start the application. The major item needed is your previous tax records from the IRS. However here’s a list of the most common information and documents you’ll need:
- Normal personal info: name, DOB, email, etc.
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Driver’s License number
- W-2 Forms, or your most recent pay stubs if you don’t have W-2s
- Bank Statements and records of savings and investments
- Records of Untaxed Income (if applicable, such as child support, etc.)
- Federal income tax returns
If you’re a dependent student, then your parent(s) will need most of the above information as well.
I know this might seem like a lot of information, but once you get started it isn’t so bad, and it will be way better than scrambling to find everything while trying to finish the FAFSA.
Don’t Wait – Start Now! I promise this will save you time, stress, and headaches later. I am always here to help and guide you through this process.
More about Jodi and College Financial Aid Advisors
Jodi is a FAFSA financial advisor who helps with the financial aid process to help families of college students maximize their financial aid. From completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options, Jodi is a fantastic resource when it comes to student financial aid. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.