By knocking out your FAFSA during the holidays, you’ll start 2026 with a huge weight off your shoulders—and maybe even open doors to more scholarships and grants.

🎄✨ Between finals, holiday parties, and gift shopping, it can feel impossible to think about FAFSA. But what if I told you that Christmas break is actually the perfect time to get ahead on your 2026–27 financial aid? Spending a little time now could save you stress—and maybe even money—when the new year and new semester roll around.
Think of it like this: while everyone else is frantically trying to finish essays or cram for exams, you could be one step ahead with your college funding. By knocking out your FAFSA during the holidays, you’ll start 2026 with a huge weight off your shoulders—and maybe even open doors to more scholarships and grants.
Before you even open your FAFSA application, find a cozy, distraction-free spot. Grab a cup of hot chocolate ☕, put on some holiday music, and settle in. Treat this like a small gift to yourself—you’re investing in your future, after all.
FAFSA requires a handful of documents, and hunting for them last minute is no fun. Over break, gather:
Having these ready means you can complete your application in one sitting instead of bouncing between rooms searching for papers.
Even if you filled out FAFSA before, things might have changed. Did your family size change? Did your income go up or down? Did you move or have new financial circumstances? Updating your FAFSA with accurate info is key—it can directly affect how much aid you qualify for.
Make sure all the schools you’re thinking about are listed on your FAFSA. Schools use this info to determine financial aid, so double-check that nothing is missing. And don’t stress—if you change your mind later, you can update your list.
Federal, state, and college deadlines are all different, and some aid is first-come, first-served. Planning ahead during break means you can submit early, avoiding the rush and maximizing your chances for grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. 🗓️
Typos happen. Even small mistakes—like a wrong Social Security number or incorrect income—can delay your aid. Take your time reviewing every section before you hit submit. A little patience now saves big headaches later.
After submitting, you’re not completely done. Schools may request additional information or verification documents. Over break, set reminders to check your email and FAFSA account so you can respond quickly if needed. Staying on top of this now keeps everything moving smoothly.
Once it’s submitted, celebrate! You just gave yourself a huge gift: peace of mind for 2026. Whether that’s relaxing with a movie, enjoying some holiday treats, or calling it a day early, take a moment to enjoy your accomplishment.
✅ Extra Help: Feeling overwhelmed? Our student portal is full of scholarships, step-by-step tools, and office hours with a college funding pro. You can get guidance on FAFSA, find extra money for college, and leave the guesswork behind.
Christmas break is about more than cookies and gifts—it’s also a chance to invest in your future. By taking a few focused hours now to work on FAFSA 2026–27, you’ll start the new year ahead of the game, confident that your college funding is in motion. 🎅✨
