Print

September

I’ve picked a list of schools to apply to.

October

I’ve registered for a CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE^® if my chosen schools require it.

I’ve begun researching scholarship information and requesting scholarship applications, making a list of their deadlines as I go.

November

I’ve gotten a financial aid packet from my high school guidance office.

I’ve downloaded a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and started collecting the information I need to begin the financial aid application process.

January—February

As soon as possible (before February 15!) I’ve completed the FAFSA and the financial aid applications from my chosen colleges.

I’ve gotten my Student Aid Report (SAR) in the mail within four weeks after submitting the FAFSA, and I’ve looked it over carefully, corrected anything that is inaccurate, and returned it to the FAFSA processor by following the directions listed on the SAR.

March

I’ve completed any scholarship applications before their deadlines.

I’ve checked with the financial aid offices of my chosen colleges to be sure they’ve received all the information they need to process my application.

April

I’m carefully comparing my offered financial aid packages for the following:

Which school provides the most grant or scholarship money?

How much loan money can I afford to repay?

Which schools offer the most subsidized loan money?

Which schools offer programs that would allow me to achieve a high post-college income?

Which schools have a lower cost of attendance?

May

I’ve chosen a college, and I know I can accept some parts of their financial aid offer without taking others.

I’ve taken AP exams for any AP subjects I studied in high school.

I’ve filled out all forms for loans I’m borrowing. I know that the Master Promissory Note (MPN) I sign is a legal, binding agreement to pay back my loans.

Print