The FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for the 2018-19 school year launches on October 1. [Just like Common App went "live" on August 1, that doesn't mean you should complete and submit the first day, or even the first couple of weeks. Give FAFSA time to work out the kinks, like the issues with the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, which was hacked last year.]

YES, you WILL be submitting the FAFSA, regardless of income and assets, real or perceived. Colleges use the FAFSA to calculate student loans, ParentPLUS loans, Pell Grants, Perkins loans, and, in many cases, scholarships, both merit and need-based.

NO, you cannot submit the FAFSA for 2018-19 before October 1. [You may, however, use the FAFSA4caster to get an estimate of federal aid you are likely to receive. (No FEMA application required :-)]

YES, both the student and one (1) custodial parent will need to create FSA-IDs in order to access and electronically sign the FAFSA. You may create the FSA-IDs at any time, even before October 1. 

*** Good reads on the FAFSA: Can't Miss Resources for the 2018-19 FAFSA, 7 Things You Need Before You Fill Out The 2018-19 FAFSA Form, and FAFSA: Everything You Need to Know for the 2018-19 Application

YES, some colleges require the CSS Profile IN ADDITION TO the FAFSA. This should only be completed and submitted if required by the colleges you have applied to. CSS Profile for 2018-19, like the FAFSA, will become available on October 1. [While submission of the FAFSA is required for every year of college, returning students should check with the college financial aid office to see if the CSS Profile is required after initial filing.]

NO, you should not submit the FAFSA or the CSS Profile until AFTER you have submitted your EARLY ACTION applications. [We do not want "Need Blind" colleges to become "Need Aware."] 

YES, I can help you prepare and submit the FAFSA, the CSS Profile (as may be required), and any proprietary financial aid forms that may come your way. I will begin scheduling appointments for preparation & submission of financial aid forms, including the FAFSA, in mid-October. Give a holler at 516-345-8766 for more information.

NO, you shouldn't worry that you'll miss out on anything. That's what you have me for! [You don't have me? You don't know what you're missing!] 

YES, you should be searching and applying for scholarships! [Remember, Ed McMahon will not be coming to your door with balloons and a check for $10 million in hand. (I know. I know. "Who's Ed McMahon...")

YES, I am always here to answer your questions, lend a helping hand, and eat your Mallomars (which are now arriving in stores by the truckload. Stock up!). 

High School Seniors: Keep on working on those college applications, essays, and supplemental writings. [Yes, I can help with those, too!] Believe it or not, Early Action Deadlines are just around the corner...

The College Whisperer™ and Official Sponsor of College Admissions Success™ are Trademarks of COLLEGE CONNECTION. The road to college begins at COLLEGE CONNECTION! Whether you are applying to college, planning for college, paying for college or simply thinking about college,COLLEGE CONNECTION can help! Call TODAY for a FREE telephone consultation. 516-345-8766

For up-to-the-minute news, apps, info and insights on college applications, admissions, scholarships and just about everything college, follow The College Whisperer™ on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/GetCollege