The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that allows students in the United States to apply for financial aid to help pay for college or career school. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to complete the FAFSA:

1. Gather the necessary documents: Before you begin the FAFSA, make sure you have the following documents on hand:

• Your Social Security number
• Your driver’s license (if you have one)
• Your Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
• Your tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned
• Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
• Records of untaxed income (if applicable)

2. Create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID: In order to complete the FAFSA, you’ll need to create an FSA ID. This will serve as your electronic signature and will allow you to access your financial aid information online. To create an FSA ID, visit the Federal Student Aid website and follow the instructions.
3. Go to the FAFSA website: Once you have your FSA ID, you can begin the FAFSA by visiting fafsa.gov. Click on the “Start a New FAFSA” button and follow the prompts to create an account.
4. Enter your personal information: On the first page of the FAFSA, you’ll be asked to enter your personal information, such as your name, address, and date of birth. You’ll also be asked to provide information about your parents, if you are a dependent student.
5. Enter your financial information: The FAFSA will ask you to provide information about your income and assets, as well as your parents’ income and assets if you are a dependent student. You’ll need to enter this information using your tax returns, W-2s, and other financial documents.
6. List the schools you are interested in attending: On the FAFSA, you’ll be asked to list the schools you are interested in attending. Make sure to list all of the schools you are considering, as this will help determine your eligibility for financial aid.
7. Submit the FAFSA: Once you have completed the FAFSA, double-check all of your information to make sure it is accurate. Then, submit the form. You’ll receive a confirmation email once your FAFSA has been processed.

After you have submitted the FAFSA, you may be contacted by your school or the financial aid office with additional information or requests for documentation. Make sure to follow up on any requests in a timely manner, as this will help ensure that you receive the financial aid you need.

Completing the FAFSA can seem intimidating, but it’s an important step in paying for college or career school. By gathering the necessary documents and following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to securing the financial aid you need to afford your education.