Getting into college is hard enough, but the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) can feel like rocket science. Luckily, with some preparation and answers to your burning questions, you can tackle the FAFSA like a pro.

First off, what is the FAFSA? The FAFSA is an application all students must fill out to qualify for federal financial aid, but it can also be used to grant state and institution-specific aid. The federal government uses the information provided on your FAFSA to estimate how much money your family can contribute to your education.