Final answer:
To apply for federal grants, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which assesses their eligibility for financial aid without requiring a co-signer or credit check.
Step-by-step explanation:
When applying for federal grants, a student must use the FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is a form provided by the United States Department of Education and is used by colleges to determine a student's eligibility for federal aid. Unlike the process of acquiring a loan from a bank, which often requires a co-signer, good credit, or collateral, the FAFSA does not require these. Students must simply provide information about their financial situation to be considered for various forms of financial aid, including grants, work-study, and federal loans.