STEP 2 OF 7 · PREPARE BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Get Ready Before You Start the FAFSA Form
A little preparation can make the FAFSA form easier. Gather what may apply to you, confirm who may need to participate, and enter all personal and financial information only on StudentAid.gov. RACE does not need your FAFSA answers or copies of these records.
Gather What You May Need
The FAFSA form will guide you based on your circumstances, so not every item below will apply to every student. Keep any records with you and enter information only on the official federal form.
What to Have Nearby
• Your StudentAid.gov account.
• The name and email address of a contributor, if the FAFSA form tells you someone must participate.
• Federal income tax records for you and any required contributors.
• Records of child support received, if applicable.
• Current information about cash, savings, investments, businesses, farms, or other assets requested by the official form.
Who May Need to Participate
• The FAFSA form will determine whether a spouse, parent, or parent’s spouse must participate.
• Each required contributor must use their own StudentAid.gov account.
• Contributors enter and sign their own sections of the FAFSA form.
• Being a contributor does not make someone responsible for paying for your education.
• If you are unsure which parent may be required, use the official wizard above.
Keep Sensitive Information on StudentAid.gov
RACE does not need your Social Security number, tax returns, account credentials, FAFSA answers, or copies of these records to help you prepare. Keep all records with you and enter them only when the official federal form requests them.
If you are unsure what applies to you, pause and ask Therese for guidance—without emailing or texting sensitive information.