FAFSA & Financial Aid Playbook How to Pay for College Without Guessing

Presented by ‪@TheBridgeBuilderCollective‬

FAFSA is one of the most important steps in paying for college—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Too many students miss out on grants, scholarships, and aid simply because they don’t know what FAFSA is, when to complete it, or how it actually works.

This video is a free resource for high-school students and families, created to walk you through FAFSA in plain language—no assumptions, no jargon, and no guesswork.

In this video, we break down:

• What FAFSA is (and what it is NOT)
• Why completing FAFSA matters—even if you think you won’t qualify
• What information FAFSA looks at (and what it doesn’t)
• Where to complete FAFSA safely and correctly
• What documents you need before you start
• FAFSA IDs and why they matter
• Important deadlines that impact how much aid you receive
• Common mistakes that delay or reduce financial aid
• What happens after you submit FAFSA
• How FAFSA and scholarships work together

Whether you’re navigating college for the first time or helping a student through the process, this guide is designed to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.

🎓 Who this video is for:

• High-school students (especially seniors)
• First-generation college students
• Parents and guardians supporting the process
• Families applying for scholarships or financial aid
• Anyone unsure how college will be paid for

💡 About ‪@TheBridgeBuilderCollective‬
‪@TheBridgeBuilderCollective‬ works to remove barriers to opportunity by providing mentorship, resources, and real-world guidance to students and families. This video is part of our commitment to making critical college access information free, clear, and accessible for all.

👉 Watch. Apply early. Keep your options open.
👉 FAFSA = options.