It's the most wonderful time of year to apply for federal aid, December the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens. 

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Usually FAFSA becomes available for application in early fall, however this year forms will be open starting the month of December. However, a time switch isn't the only change for FAFSA this year that students and families should prepare for. 

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Every person contributing to a FAFSA application–the student applying, a spouse, parent/guardian, or a guardian’s spouse–will need a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID to provide the necessary information on their application portion. FSA IDs’ can be created on the StudentAid.gov website. It's helpful  to make IDs as soon as possible in order to be ready for December. 

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To best prepare, know deadlines ahead of time, research and start gathering needed documents in advance, additionally create an FSA ID early. This can help one be ready for the long process of filing for federal aid. 

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For more information about the FAFSA, visit Studentaid.gov or ask Mrs.Conolly in the College and Career Center.