FAFSA: Getting Started 2020-21 Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can seem overwhelming.

This tutorial is designed to help you navigate and familiarize yourself with the FAFSA process.

Begin by going to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid website.

If you have never completed a FAFSA before, click "Start Here." If you are renewing your FAFSA, choose "Returning User" and choose "Log In." After you log in, you will be presented with two options: "FAFSA Renewal" or "Start New FAFSA." Selecting "FAFSA Renewal" will pre-fill your current FAFSA with data from last year's application.

This will make it quicker to complete the FAFSA.

"Start New FAFSA" should only be used if there are major changes to your or your parents' personal information.

For example, if you are using a different parent to complete the FAFSA than the one used on your last application, you should complete a new application.

Next, you will be asked to choose between being a student or a parent, preparer, or a student from a Freely Associated State.

Depending on your selection the questions asked will be tailored to you.

If you are the student, choose the "I am the student" option.

Enter your FSA ID Username, verified email address, or mobile number and password.

If you do not have an FSA ID, you will need to create one using the "Create one" option.

If you are the parent, choose the "I am a parent, preparer, or student from a Freely Associated State" option.

Enter the student's Social Security Number (SSN), first name, last name, and student's date of birth.

Choose "Next." Read the "Disclaimer" and choose "Accept." On the next page, choose "Start 2020 - 2021 FAFSA." Next, you will be required to create a Save Key.

The Save Key allows you to return to an application or correction later if you need to stop and save your work.

It also allows you to share access to your application or correction if your parent needs to add information or sign the FAFSA.

The Save Key must be between 4 and 8 characters long.

You can use any combination of numbers and/or uppercase and lowercase letters.

Click "Next." The introduction slide gives you information on:

• Getting help to complete your FAFSA.

• The steps it takes to complete.

• How long it will take to complete.

• Saving the FAFSA if you can't finish it.

• Documents you will need to complete the FAFSA.

• Signing the FAFSA.

• FAFSA on the Web Security and Privacy.

Select "Next." Whether you are the student or the parent, once you select "Next" you will begin the application process.

The application process has been broken down into eight steps:

1. Student Demographics.

2. School Selection.

3. Dependency Status.

4. Parent Demographics.

5. Parent Financials.

6. Student Financials.

7. Sign & Submit.

8. Confirmation.

Please note that you will have the opportunity to retrieve your tax information directly from the IRS if you meet certain criteria.

There are instances in which you may need to manually enter your tax information.

As a result, we suggest you have a copy of your and your parents (if applicable) federal tax return on hand.

Now you're ready to continue with the next steps to complete the FAFSA.