Savings, scholarships and state aid are good preparations steps for one to take before applying for federal financial aid because They help one to
save enough money to be able to pay for college and also prevent serious debt after graduating.
Financial intelligence is a vital and indispensable virtue one must cultivate,just like the question stated, before going high as to seek federal aid,it is imperative to start from savings, scholarships and state aid because those can help you after graduating and not put you through serious debt after graduating.
If you must apply for federal aid,that implies that you have tried other better, easier means and all proved abortive and the only option that is left is the federal aid.
And while on federal aid,plans must be made on the means to pay back all sorts of financial issues so that once graduated,the financial burden will be minimal.