September 23, 2025 · Season 2 · Episode 8
Prep NOW for the FAFSA
By Jacquie & Gage
Panicking about the FAFSA? You’re not alone! This episode of Countdown2College dives into everything you and your family need to know to get FAFSA-ready before October 1. Gage and EducationQuest Senior College Planning Specialist Jacquie Butler walk through why the FAFSA is so important, what documents you’ll need on hand, and how early completion can maximize your financial aid. This episode is your step-by-step guide to making filling out the form a breeze!
The clock is ticking! The 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens on Wednesday, Oct. 1, so it’s time to get in the zone. Just like preparing for a big game, a little prep now can help you breeze through the process. In our latest Countdown2College Podcast, Gage teams up with Jacquie Butler, senior college planning specialist at EducationQuest, to give you the ultimate playbook for filing the FAFSA.
Pre-Game Warm-Up: What You Can Do Right Now
Filing your FAFSA early can give you a competitive edge. Some types of financial aid are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so the earlier you file, the better. Here’s a 4-step game plan:
- Create Your FSA IDs (Student & Parent)
- Head over to studentaid.gov to create an FSA ID for both the student and a parent.
- Verify both cell phone numbers and email addresses. (Students: use your personal email, not your school email.)
- Make sure to store your usernames and passwords in a secure place.
- Gather Your Paperwork
- Social Security Numbers and Alien Registration Numbers (if applicable).
- 2024 Federal income tax forms and all schedules (the FAFSA uses tax data from two years prior).
- If applicable: amount of child support received for the last completed calendar year.
- Current value of checking accounts, savings accounts, and investments.
- Build Your College List
- You can list up to 20 colleges on your FAFSA. All will receive your information to create award packages.
- You’ll only get financial aid award letters from the schools you have applied to and to which you have been accepted.
- Track Your Deadlines
- Each college sets priority dates for aid, so mark them on your calendar and set reminders to stay on track.
The Big Question: Should I File if I Don’t Think I’ll Qualify for Aid?
The answer is…YES! The FAFSA is free to fill out, and many scholarships and state/college funds use the results, even for students who might not qualify for need-based grants. Plus, you can always decline loans you don’t need. Filing ensures that you have options.
What Happens After I Submit?
Once you file, you’ll get a confirmation email that your application was received. Any college where you have applied and been accepted can then move forward with a financial aid offer for you. If you’re selected for verification, don’t panic-just follow the school’s instructions.
Final Advice: Prep for the Win!
Starting early and staying organized is key to a smooth FAFSA process. If you hit a snag or have questions, EducationQuest provides free help!
- Appointments: Schedule a virtual or in-person FAFSA appointment here.
- FAFSA Checklist: Double-check everything you need with our FAFSA checklist.
- Countdown2College: Get weekly tips and reminders to keep you on track for FAFSA and college prep! Sign up at the bottom of our homepage.
A little prep now means less stress later-and more time to enjoy your senior year. Get ready to score big and tackle FAFSA like a champion.