The FAFSA opens on October 1 for students planning on attending the following school year.  The first step to the financial aid process is to get BOTH a student and parent FSA ID#.  Click on the FSA ID box at the top of the FAFSA website.  Once you receive both FSA ID#s you can then begin the FAFSA.  

FAFSA.gov - Federal government application for financial aid.

fafsa4caster.ed.gov - A tool to help you estimate the expected financial contribution toward college.

studentaid.ed.gov - A website that has all kinds of information about financial aid.

CSS Profile - financial aid form used by a few highly selective colleges - check with the school you plan to apply to before completing this form.