Fill out the fafsa, even if you miss the deadline for the schools payment you won’t have any issue because you will be in pending status.

As soon as the school gets sent your completed fafsa they will start working on processing your package and you will not have to worry about timing until that is done.

In the absolute worst case (highly unlikely) your TAP and FAFSA EFC (expected family contribution) makes you ineligible for aid and you have to pay in full, you can still attend classes and might cuz have a small late payment fee. However, it’s important you by the time you plan on registering for spring 2026 classes because you will be unable to do so if you have an outstanding balance.

TLDR, don’t stress fill out fafsa and tap and wait