Financial Aid, Part 1: Deadlines and planning

Post By: COYD Staff

Getting into the college of your dreams is an incredible feat. However, leaving college with a six figure debt can hinder those dreams. This week we are going to go through different parts of the financial aid process. Today, we are going to talk about important financial aid deadlines as well as a suggested plan so you can maximize the financial aid resources available to you. Don’t put this off. You should start planning and preparing NOW!

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

FAFSA

Federal
– Open: January 1, 2010 (Don’t submit before this date or else it won’t be processed)
– Close: June 30, 2011.
– Corrections on the Web forms must be submitted by midnight Central Daylight time, September 15, 2011.

State
– Go to FAFSA site to see a list of the state deadlines.

School Financial Aid Deadlines
These are usually earlier than the state and federal deadlines. Call your financial aid office early so that you can find out what those deadlines are.

CSS/Profile
– Open: October 1, 2010

PLANNING

Fall 2010
– Collect information regarding scholarships offered at the colleges that you are applying to as well as scholarships in your local community.

– Search online for scholarship opportunities likeĀ Fastweb.com or FinAid.org

– Calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

– Request a Personal Identification Number (PIN) at www.pin.ed.gov. You need this to file the FAFSA electronically.

– Start reviewing the FAFSA forms so you know what you need to get ready.

– If you are applying early, fill out a supplemental aid application using estimated income figures.

– Start writing scholarship essays.

– Meet with your college counselor to talk about any financial aid opportunities or workshops he/she would recommend

-If you are a male who will be 18 at the time you complete the FAFSA, register with Selective Service. Failure to do so will make you ineligible for federal and state aid. Call them at 888-655-1825 for more information.

Next post we will discuss what you should do from January and on.

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