For high school seniors across the country waiting anxiously beside their mailboxes for the big envelope, now’s the perfect time to begin thinking about financial aid. We know the last thing anyone wants to think about after submitting college applications is taking on the task of filling out more forms. But luckily, a newly revamped FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) has made it easier than ever to apply for student aid.

And the FAFSA isn’t just for first-year college students; anyone who meets the eligibility requirements (U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, enrolled in a school that participates in the federal student aid programs) can submit an app. Watch the video above for step-by-step instructions from the U.S. Department of Education.

Tip #1: Start searching soon
College Navigator: nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator
Visit financial aid sections on college websites, or call to find out what financial aid is available. Options may include federal aid, student grants, work-study, or local loans and scholarships. It’s possible that the FAFSA is the only major financial information that you need to supply.

Tip #2: Pin down a PIN
You’ll need a PIN (Personal Identification Number) to access and secure your FAFSA information online.
For more info, head to www.studentaid.ed.gov

Tip #3: Dig up the docs
Gather the documents that contain information you’ll need for each school, such as income tax returns and W-2 forms. For a full list of documents, visit www.fafsa.ed.gov

Tip #4: Fill out your FAFSA
Make sure you’ve included the identification numbers for each of the schools that you want to receive your FAFSA. Have questions? Call 1-800-4FED-AID

Tip #5: Update your app
After you submit your FAFSA, you’ll receive a student aid report in the mail. Then you’ll have a chance to review and update your app. The sooner you submit the final version, the sooner you’ll get your aid results.