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If you’re looking at going back to school this year, now is the time to be thinking about applying to colleges and filling out the FAFSA. The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It can be filled out online. Tera Pickens, director of the Kirkwood Washington Regional Center says if you have yet to apply to your top three colleges you should do that soon. Also, now is the time to be looking at financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Pickens says FAFSA paperwork was once daunting, but now it can be done online and can even be linked in with your taxes if you file electronically.

The federal deadline for FAFSA submission is June 30th, however the U.S. Department of Education recommends you check with the colleges you’re interested in attending for their application deadlines. Pickens recommends you contact your high school if you have questions or the Kirkwood Washington Regional Center.