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With a little planning, you can make sure you’re on track to get the most financial aid possible. Here’s a simple, step-by-step checklist to guide you.
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December is here! ❄️🎄 The year is wrapping up, holiday lights are twinkling, and your favorite festive treats are probably calling your name. But amidst all the holiday cheer, it’s also the perfect time to think ahead about college for 2026. Why now? Because getting your FAFSA in order before the new year can make a real difference in the financial aid you receive—and trust us, fewer stress headaches around the holidays is a gift you’ll actually appreciate!
Whether this is your first time filling out FAFSA or you’re just updating it, a few simple steps now can save you time and maximize your chances for scholarships and grants. Let’s walk through an easy, end-of-year checklist to make sure you’re all set for the year ahead.
Before you log in, grab everything you’ll need:
Having all your documents ready makes the process smoother—and gives you more time to enjoy the holiday cookies. 🍪
Even if you filled it out before, things might have changed—like your income, family size, or other circumstances. Updating your FAFSA with the latest info can affect how much aid you qualify for, so a few minutes now can pay off big later.
Make sure every college you’re considering is listed. That way, schools can see your information directly. And if your plans change? No problem—you can update your list anytime.
Deadlines matter! Federal, state, and school deadlines can all be different, and some aid programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Submit early, mark your calendar, and stay ahead of the rush. 🎁
Small mistakes can hold up your aid, so double-check your Social Security number, income entries, and other key info before hitting submit. A quick review now prevents headaches later.
After submitting, keep an eye out for confirmations or follow-up requests from your financial aid office. Responding promptly keeps your aid moving smoothly and avoids unnecessary delays.
✅ Pro Tip: Feeling a little overwhelmed? Our student portal is packed with scholarships, easy-to-use tools, and office hours with a college funding pro. They’ll guide you step by step, so you can feel confident heading into 2026.
As the year winds down, taking a little time now to tackle your FAFSA is the perfect way to start the holidays stress-free. 🎅✨ Think of it as giving yourself the gift of financial peace of mind for the year ahead. With just a few steps, you’ll head into 2026 knowing you’re on track for the most financial aid possible—and maybe even a little extra jingle in your pocket.
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