Sorting through the process

<p>Should I apply for a student loan or file the FAFSA form first? I haven't seen a copy of the form, but I know I'm suppose to file my taxes first, but I don't have an income. Do you have to have income to qualify for governmental financial aid? What about grants, what basis are grants awarded on? Grades, talents, single/couple parents, or just need-basis.</p>

<p>I left out a couple of things: do you fill out the FAFSA form after you have been accepted into a college or while you are applying? If your University's financial aid program uses the results of an FAFSA application to determine whether it will provide a student with financial aid or not, how do I make sure my college recieves the results to my form?</p>

<p>FAFSA has a huge website and filing involves both you and your folks.</p>

<p>You cannot file the FAFSA until 1/1/06. If you are applying ED, then you need to follow that school's instructions regarding applying for financial aid.</p>

<p>You file your FAFSA first (to make sure you meet the schools deadline) as you can amend it once you file your taxes (as most people do not get their w-2 information until the end of January). Filling the FAFSA will determine if you are eligible for federal aid: Pell grants and federal student loans.</p>

<p>Grants, Scholarships and need based aid all vary and are dependent on the schools which you are applying to.</p>