Final answer:
A student must use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) when applying for federal grants; it's a yearly requirement to determine eligibility for various types of financial aid without the need for a credit check or a cosigner.
Step-by-step explanation:
When applying for federal grants, a student must use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This crucial form is provided by the United States Department of Education and is used to determine a student's eligibility for financial aid, which includes federal grants, work-study, and loans. It is to be filled out before each academic year to secure your place for available funds. Unlike private loans from banks, which often require a credit check, a cosigner, or collateral, the FAFSA does not require students to have good credit or a cosigner. The FAFSA is a gateway to numerous financial aid options and needs to be completed every year as long as the student is seeking financial aid for postsecondary education.