If you have a student planning to enter college the fall of 2011, remember that the FAFSA cannot be completed and submitted until January 2011 at the earliest. A hard copy form can be obtained at a public library or high school and parents can use it to become familiar with the type of information they will need to supply.

This form is to be filled out by the parent, not the student. It is advisable to submit this form online since you will be notified if anything is left blank. You will also receive the information to be sent to colleges more quickly. For more information about the FAFSA, go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/