Colorado’s website says “To be considered for the maximum amount of financial aid, you should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after October 1 for the upcoming academic year”. Is this correct for all schools? Thanks
It is the first day the form is available to file. Many schools want the forms filed near that date. Some have priority deadlines, meaning you’ll get the best SCHOOL financial aid if you file before the priority date, but you’ll get Pell grant if you qualify no matter when you apply.
If you can, try to file as soon as you can after Oct 1. You’ll need to have access to a few things like your 2019 tax info, your parent’s (the one you lived with most during the 365 days before filing) tax info, bank accounts for info on your assets, info on other assets.