{"id":2098,"date":"2025-10-02T12:20:02","date_gmt":"2025-10-02T17:20:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myredkite.com\/blog\/?p=2098"},"modified":"2025-10-02T12:20:03","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T17:20:03","slug":"a-parents-guide-to-the-fafsa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myredkite.com\/blog\/a-parents-guide-to-the-fafsa\/","title":{"rendered":"A Parent\u2019s Guide to the FAFSA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

FAFSA season is here! If you\u2019re the parent of a high school senior, you\u2019ve likely already heard this acronym more times than you can count and you might not be entirely sure what it involves. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)<\/strong> is one of the most critical forms your family will complete during the college process, yet it\u2019s also one of the most commonly misunderstood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve put together this step-by-step parent guide to make the FAFSA process easier for you. Our recent blog<\/a><\/strong> covered why<\/em> the FAFSA matters and this newsletter shows you how<\/em> to make it work for your family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Know the Timeline<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The FAFSA typically opens each year on October 1<\/strong> (though the 2024\u201325 form was delayed due to system updates). Submitting the FAFSA early is always the best strategy. Funds can and do run out and once the funds run out, they\u2019re gone \u2014 even if your student is eligible. One top of that, some states and colleges have earlier priority deadlines<\/strong><\/a> than the federal one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Red Kite Pro Tip:<\/strong> Add FAFSA deadlines to a shared family calendar alongside application dates and scholarship deadlines. Treat it like a non-negotiable appointment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Gather Your Materials<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Filing FAFSA is much smoother when you have the right documents ready to go. Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n