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‍How to Prepare for FAFSA: A Step-by-Step Summer Guide (2026–2027 Edition)

If you’re heading to college soon, or returning for another year, filing the FAFSA—the Free Application for Federal Student Aid—is one of the most important steps in securing financial aid. But here’s the thing: you don’t want to wait until the last minute.

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With the FAFSA returning to its traditional timeline, summer is now the perfect time to get ahead. By preparing early, you’ll be in a better position to receive grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal loans—without the last-minute scramble.

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Whether you’re a first-time filer or a returning student, here’s your step-by-step summer game plan to prepare for FAFSA 2026–27.

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Step 1: Know When the FAFSA Opens (and Why It Matters)

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For the 2026–27 school year, the FAFSA will open on October 1, 2025, returning to the typical launch date after recent delays caused by the FAFSA Simplification Act.

⏰ Why it matters: Many colleges award aid on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier you file, the better your chances of receiving institutional aid and limited funding like work-study. Getting a head start this summer means you’ll be ready to hit “submit” as soon as it opens.

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Step 2: Create (or Update) Your FSA ID

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Your FSA ID is your personal login for everything related to federal student aid—including the FAFSA itself. If you’re a dependent student, at least one parent will need their own FSA ID too.

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Do this now so you’re not delayed later.‍

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➡️ Create or manage your FSA ID hereYou’ll need:

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• Full legal name
  
  
• Social Security number
  
  
• Date of birth
  
  
• Email address
  
  
• Phone number

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🛑 Note: It can take a few days for your FSA ID to be verified, so do this step well before FAFSA opens.

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Step 3: Gather All the Info You'll Need

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Here’s what you’ll want to have ready (for both you and your parent/guardian if you’re a dependent):

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Personal Info:

• Social Security Number (SSN) or Alien Registration Number (if not a U.S. citizen)
  
  
• Driver’s license (if you have one)
  
  
• Student ID or college acceptance letters (optional but helpful)
  
  

Financial Info (2024 Tax Year for the 2026–27 FAFSA):

• Federal income tax returns (IRS Form 1040)
  
  
• W-2s and other records of earned income
  
  
• Bank statements
  
  
• Records of untaxed income (like child support received)
  
  
• Information about assets (if applicable): investments, 529 plans, etc.

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💡 Thanks to FAFSA Simplification, most tax data will be transferred directly from the IRS using the Direct Data Exchange (DDX)—but you still need to verify what’s being submitted and understand what it means.

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Step 4: Learn the New FAFSA Terminology

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FAFSA updates have changed how things are calculated. Get familiar with these new terms so you’re not confused later:

• Student Aid Index (SAI): Replaces the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This number is used to determine how much aid you’re eligible for. A lower SAI = more aid.
  
  
• Contributor: Anyone required to provide info on your FAFSA (usually a parent or spouse).
  
  
• Consent to DDX: All contributors must now provide consent to transfer their IRS data—even if they didn’t file taxes.
  
  

Understanding these ahead of time avoids surprises or delays.

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Step 5: Make a List of the Colleges You’re Applying To

You can list up to 20 schools on the FAFSA. These colleges will receive your info and use it to create your financial aid package.

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🎯 Even if you haven’t finalized your college list, add every school you're considering. You can update the list later.

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Step 6: Talk to Your Parents or Guardians Early

Especially if they’ll be helping pay or need to provide their financial info, now is the time to have that conversation.

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✔️ Explain what FAFSA is
✔️ Share the timeline and what info you’ll need
✔️ Get clear on their income, assets, and what help (if any) they plan to give
✔️ Ask for their consent to access IRS data (DDX is required)

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Pro tip: Let them know that filling out the FAFSA doesn't mean they're committing to pay everything—it’s just a way to maximize your financial aid.

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Step 7: Check for Other Financial Aid Deadlines

Some colleges and states require additional forms like the CSS Profile or institutional financial aid documents. These deadlines are often earlier than FAFSA.

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✅ Make a spreadsheet or calendar to track:

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• School-specific deadlines
  
  
• Priority filing dates for scholarships
  
  
• FAFSA open date reminder
  
  
• Required documents
  
  

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Step 8: Practice Using the FAFSA Demo Site (Optional)

Want to get a feel for the form before it goes live? The U.S. Department of Education offers a FAFSA demo site every fall.

It’s a safe place to explore the questions you’ll be asked and prepare your answers ahead of time—especially helpful if it’s your first time applying.

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📍 Find FAFSA demo resources here

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Final Thoughts

Summer is the best time to prep for FAFSA—because when it opens in October, you’ll be ready to hit submit with zero stress. Getting ahead now means less scrambling later, a better shot at aid, and a clearer picture of what college will really cost.

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Want More FAFSA Help?

Inside our Fund Your Future student portal, we break down the FAFSA, answer common questions, and share tools to help you get more financial aid—with less confusion.

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✅ Weekly scholarships
✅ FAFSA cheat sheets
✅ Budget tools & real examples

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👉 Join the portal here and let’s make this FAFSA season your most confident yet.

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