ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Many college graduates and current students remember the stress of sitting with their parents and sorting through the information needed to fill out the free application for federal student aid. 

Many families don’t realize that financial aid is available for their students.

The Rochester Education Foundation wants to show those students that their dream of attending college can be a reality with the help of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Almost 90% of first-time, first-year undergraduate students receive financial aid in some form, according to the Education Data Initiative. 

To reach more students, the Rochester Education Foundation is hosting FAFSA events at schools across the city. These will show students what financial aid is available to them and how to apply.

Senior Hazel Roberts explains what FAFSA was like for her. 

“I was a little nervous. I had never filled it out before," Roberts said. "The process was extremely easy. And the questions were simple enough that I could understand. When my mom did her piece, it was simple as well."

Roberts also offered advice for other seniors: apply now, you’ll feel better once it’s done. 

Last year, the Department of Education rolled out its "new FAFSA." Students trying to apply dealt with systemwide delays and glitches. 

Education officials say those kinks should be all worked out. The application was tested for two months before being rolled out to the public. 

Additional staff and extended hours were also added to the Federal Student Aid call center to help with any questions. 

For more information on how to apply for FAFSA and the information you need, you can click here.