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September

I have begun researching colleges and programs.

November

I have requested financial aid information packets from colleges I’m interested in.

I’ve downloaded a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and begun collecting the financial information I need to fill it out.

January

I’ve filled out the FAFSA as soon as I’ve completed my taxes (before February 15!).

I’ve started looking up scholarships and requesting scholarship applications from colleges and other organizations, making a list of their deadlines as I go.

February

I’ve received my Student Aid Report (SAR) in the mail within 4 weeks after I submitted the FAFSA and looked it over carefully for mistakes. If I found any mistakes, I corrected them according to the directions on the SAR.

I’ve completed my scholarship applications by their deadlines.

I’ve contacted the financial aid offices of colleges where I’ve applied to ensure all the necessary information has been received to process my application.

March/April

I’ve received my financial aid and scholarship offers from different colleges and begun reviewing them to decide which one is the best. I realize I can accept some parts of a financial aid offer without taking others. For example, I don’t have to take out all the loans offered to me.

I’m getting ready to submit a deposit to the school I’ve chosen.

I’ve asked my school about payment plans for tuition.

May

I’ve decided which college to attend, and I’ve mailed the acceptance form and deposit to the college by their due date.

I’ve filled out all my loan forms, including signing my Master Promissory Notes (MPN). I understand the MPN is a legal, binding agreement to pay back my loan.

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