When it comes to the FAFSA, it is something that can either bring dread, exasperation, or great joy. It’s a time when you apply for aid towards your college education, but it’s also a time that can bring much stress or discomfort if you are unfamiliar with the material. So, as a first-generation college student starting the spring semester of my junior year, I wanted to write a simplified guide for my first-gen cohort!
This year, the FAFSA got released in December… well, more like mid-January due to the “soft-launching” that was going on throughout the first couple of days in the new year. I was also frustrated with that process, especially since I would try to log on quite early in the morning (about 5 A.M.) just for the form to be unavailable. Now that the form seems to be up and running for the 2024-25 school year, I wanted to provide some tips when filling out your FAFSA forms, especially during winter break.
Timeliness is pertinent in submitting FAFSA applications, especially when you’re low-income. Not having money to support your college education is not an option. Therefore, my first advice is to fill out as much as possible with the FAFSA form as early as possible. For example, the earliest I can fill it out would be around Thanksgiving since I don’t go home for a break until then. I usually would fill out everything, then ask my mom for her SSN so the system could perform the IRS data transfer and save me the trouble of shuffling through confusing W-1040 and W-2 forms. With the new update, the form allows you to “invite” your parent(s)/guardian(s) to fill out their sections or denote that your parent cannot fill out the forms even if you live with them. This change makes it a lot easier for students who do the forms on their own and may have parents/guardians who don’t know how to fill out their part of the form.
My next tip is to set aside time to complete your FAFSA. Remember, time is money, and the FAFSA rides on a lot of it: grants, work-study programs, and federal student loans are some of the aid you can be eligible for. Winter break is a great time to get on this task, as it is the time you are most likely free to do so without the distractions and assignments that come with college. Of course, everyone’s winter break plans are different, so if you have time to create a mini schedule of your week and see what times you have free, you can take at least an hour out of that free time to complete your FAFSA.
Of course, when it comes to being first-gen, sometimes the FAFSA form can be confusing. Although they have simplified the form a lot (about 100+ questions to just under 50), there can still be some aspects of the form or questions asked that may be confusing. It is pertinent to get the answers correct (this depends on your situation as there are no “right” answers for the FAFSA), especially since money is on the line. Therefore, I advise you to use the resources you have at your disposal, like your university’s financial aid office, a trusted professor, or a mentor. Seeking guidance can make all the difference in your experience with FAFSA forms.
My final advice is to explore other available financial aid opportunities, like scholarships, grants, and private scholarships. This aid can bridge any financial gaps and alleviate some student loan burdens. Having scholarships means not taking out as many loans, which is good for your future self! Use this time you have off from school to search for and apply for different scholarships, which can be from outside sources, like those from Bold.org or your state. Also, don’t be discouraged if you don’t receive a scholarship! Even if you don’t get one, you’re bound to get another.
Finally, since it is winter break, it’s a time for relaxation, to hang out with friends and family, and to reflect on the past year and what you want to complete in the new year. You can reflect on the achievements, challenges, and goals from the past year and set new goals to accomplish in the new year. Setting new goals for the upcoming semester is also good, as you will have something to work towards for that semester. Goal setting will set you up for a successful semester and year. It takes hard work, consistency, time management, and dedication, but you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. I believe in you, and you should believe in yourself as well!
Good luck with your upcoming semester, and have a great rest of your break!
-Toni <3