Nov 15, 2016 07:40 AM EST By Loela Jones, UniversityHerald Reporter

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA opened three months earlier last October compared to previous years. That should allow interested students to get a better package if only they do not put it aside in favor of other priorities.

FAFSA enables federal financial aids like loans, work study, and Pell Grant. It is a basic requirement for state agencies and schools that determine family contributions to educational expenses, necessary in the computation of the needed aid allocation. Scholarships and awards might need this too. See Federal Student Aid Requirements from the Department of Education. 

FAFSA online application at fafsa.ed.gov. can be accomplished in 30 minutes with the revised tax detail needed. The income will be based solely on the student's and parents' tax return two years before the start of school term. Order the free tax transcript online, or by mail. You can also call 1-800-908-9946.

Make sure to use the 2015 tax return as the basis for  the details disclosed. Current assets should bear record of status upon filing. Deadline is on June 30, 2018, but check specific deadline of your target school because they are not unanimous.

Beware that other schools also impose the "first come, first served" policy. To be safe, line up in your list the top ten schools for our FAFSA application. Take note that a Student Aid Report (SAR) will be given after the FAFSA application.

Most states require FAFSA submission to one in-state school for the least - to be eligible for state grants. A list of state schools as first or second priorities may also be required to make sure you'll get a placement. Apply early to increase your chances and grants, urges Fontana Herald News. This way, stress can be avoided all throughout the process.

See Now: Covert Team Inside Newsweek Revealed as Key Players in False Human Trafficking Lawsuit