The Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA is used by colleges to determine financial aid eligibility.  Think of the FAFSA as the gateway to government and private grants and loans.  Beginning with 2016-2017 high school seniors, the 2017-2018 FAFSA application is planned to open October 1, 2016, so FAFSA completion will be mixed with the college early-action application timeframe.  A new FAFSA must be completed each school year.  Some schools use the FAFSA as the gateway to all money – including merit scholarships.