High School Seniors: Get Your FAFSA Done! A Quick Guide for the 2025-26 Application

Class of 2025, it’s that time! The 2025-26 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is open, and completing it is a key step in your journey to college. Here’s what you need to know to tackle it with confidence:

1. Create Your FSA IDs

Before anything else, you and your contributor(s) must create FSA IDs at studentaid.gov. This is your FAFSA username and password. Do it a few days early since the system takes time to confirm your information. This will be your first time logging into studentaid.gov, but you’re just making your username, you haven’t started the FAFSA yet.

2. Wait for FSA ID Confirmation

Once you’ve created your FSA IDs, you’ll get a confirmation email in a couple of days. This means you are ready to start your FAFSA. Mixed-status families with contributors without Social Security Numbers will complete manual verification, but they can still log in and complete their section of FAFSA right away with temporary access.

3. Log In and Start Your FAFSA

Head back to studentaid.gov, log in with your FSA ID, and select “Complete FAFSA Form.” This is the real deal—time to enter your financial and personal info.

4. Contributors: Get Their Help

If you’re a dependent student, your parent(s) (contributors) will need to fill out their section. You’ll invite them to the FAFSA once you’ve answered the personal circumstance and parent wizard questions. Everyone’s info needs to be entered before you can submit!

5. Check Your FAFSA Submission Summary

After submission, it’ll take 3-5 days to process. Log into studentaid.gov and check the status under “My Activities.” Once processed, your FAFSA Submission Summary will be available. This has all the information on your completed FAFSA like the Student Aid Index (SAI), possible Pell Grant eligibility, list of colleges, and more. This is also where you will make a correction if you need to.

6. Stay on Top of College Communications

Once the FAFSA is sent to your colleges, they’ll review your info and prepare your financial aid offer. Watch your student email and college portal for updates or requests for additional documents.

Pro Tip: Don’t procrastinate! The sooner you submit your FAFSA, the sooner it will process, and you won’t miss any key deadlines.

Get it done, and you’ll be one step closer to funding your college plans!