No, you can apply for the FAFSA® even before your college list is finalized. You can apply for financial aid any time after the FAFSA® form opens in the preceding school year.
For example, for the 2025-2026 academic year, the FAFSA® opened at the end of November 2024 (the Fall/Winter of the previous 2025-2026 academic year).
You’ll just need to include a list of schools that you are considering applying for (or attending). You can even edit this list later on if you change your mind.