According to experts, some federal and state aid for college can run out as early as April, and that's why students like Raquel Lamal are filling out financial aid forms as early as they can.
"That's part of the reason, yeah, I come here to get help because getting the aid, it's a first come first serve basis. So getting the right away helps me know I got money for school," said Lamal.
She's one of the many getting free help today from financial aid experts from nearby colleges, making sure they aren't making mistakes when filling out the paperwork.
Jeff Zahn of St. Norbert College says getting behind could mean losing out on money they otherwise could've gotten.
"Errors can lead to delays, and if there are delays, that means they could be behind in the process," Zahn said.
"I think its very important because some people wait until the last minute and they don't have as much money or much things to help them go to college. and the earlier you start it, the better you'd be," Markia Graham, a senior at Green Bay East High school says.
Organizers like Pahoua Lee say the word about financial aid is spreading, and more people are showing up at events like this every year, as families get the ball rolling toward a more affordable college experience.
"With the economy, more and more families are understanding the importance of completing this form so that the student or themselves can enroll into higher education," Lee said.
