<li>What is it?</li>
<li>Does everyone need to fill one out?</li>
<li>If so, where do I find the form?</li>
</ol>
<p>thanks so much.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>it's the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is used by colleges to estimate your need and to use as "proof" to get funds from the federal government.</p></li>
<li><p>yes if you are applying for financial aid, otherwise you can't get any federal funds (although you may still qualify for merit-based aid at some colleges)</p></li>
<li><p>online at <a href="http://www.fafsa.ed.gov%5B/url%5D">www.fafsa.ed.gov</a> or a paper copy that is usually available in schools</p></li>
</ol>
<p>check out <a href="http://www.fafsa.info%5B/url%5D">www.fafsa.info</a> for more answers</p>
<p>The last time I dealt with this (thankfully several years ago!), Columbia also required a CSS Profile and their own financial aid form, too. Tax returns and other supporting documentation may be needed.</p>
<p>For each school, you need to check with the financial aid office if the application materials aren't clear about what forms and supplemental information you need or when you need to submit them. Each school may vary slightly.</p>
<p>Is the financial aid form required by all students, even if they said they arent applying for it on the app?</p>
<p>No--if you're not applying for aid, you can skip all that.</p>