The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is making some changes to the system according to a report by CNN. Any student planning to attend college next year (yes, even if you are in college now) can apply for FAFSA.

The main change to FAFSA refers to the timing. Financial aid applications can now be submitted as early as October 1^st instead of January 1^st. As usual, some financial aid is awarded on a first come, first served basis, so while you might be late to the game, you should still apply as soon as possible.

The second change deals with financial information. This new policy, called the “prior-prior year,” allows you to base your answers on your federal tax return from the previous year, and you won’t have to update your form in the spring when you file taxes.

These changes strive to make the FAFSA process easier, although a much stronger force will be necessary to make it downright painless. To apply for FAFSA, go to fafsa.ed.gov. 

See the full article by CNN Money here.