FAFSA Applications Are Open. Here's How To Fill It Out This Year : Life Kit

Welcome to FAFSA season.

The Free Application For Federal Student Aid opened on Oct. 1 — and if you're planning on going to college next year, or even just toying with the idea of taking classes, you should fill it out.

Yes, it's a government form, but it's free, and it's the first step in getting financial aid that could be the key to going to college. COVID-19 makes everything more tricky, and filling out the FAFSA is no exception — but even if your family has lost a lot of income during the pandemic, there's still hope. Colleges want you to come to their schools, and this form could be the first step in getting there.