Students applying for financial aid to attend college usually need to?

Students applying for financial aid to attend college usually need to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This form is crucial because it determines a student's eligibility for federal, state, and even some school-specific financial aid programs. The FAFSA collects important financial information about the student and their family, which is then used to calculate the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) toward college costs.

Filing the FAFSA is necessary to access various forms of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and federal student loans. This process is a fundamental step for students seeking assistance to help cover their college expenses, emphasizing its critical role in making higher education accessible.

Submitting high school transcripts can be part of the overall college application process but is not specifically required for financial aid applications. Providing letters of recommendation and paying application fees are also commonly associated with college admissions rather than the financial aid application process itself.