Our monthly guide to the financial aid process puts you on the right track. Also be sure to sign up for our newsletter, which comes with important financial aid tips in every issue.
First, here are some things you should keep in mind throughout this process:
- Make sure you register to allow our partners to contact you about loan offers!
- If you still need more loan money, look into alternative loans from our selected Lenders.
- Explore other financial needs for school including bank accounts, credit cards and various forms of insurance in our Smart Money section.
You can read over the entire process, starting with the Fall before you would enter school (yes, the process does take up most of the year), or choose a timeframe for specific infromation:
September to November
December
January to Mid-February
Mid-February to March
April to June
July to August
September to November
Focus on GRE Test preparation and your school applications -- these are the most important things to worry about now!
Ask about financial aid when you are visiting schools and meet with financial aid officers.
Look into merit-based Grants and Fellowships Take note of financial aid deadlines at the schools to which you are applying.
Read the articles in our Save for School area, which are designed to get you on track.
Get ready to finish your tax returns so that the FAFSA can be completed and filed as soon as possible after January 1.
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December
Submit all applications on time.
Learn about the Federal loan process with articles in our Apply for Loans area.
Begin preparation for the FAFSA form by calculating your expected family contribution . The EFC is an important aspect of the FAFSA form so you will want to be sure you get this done first.
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January to Mid-February
File the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1 as you can (your family’s tax returns must be completed in order to do so). The sooner you submit the FAFSA, the more likely you are to get a larger financial aid package. Before you fill out the worksheet, make sure to check back with us for our FAFSA Worksheet. We'll have it online in late December so you can start thinking about the answers you'll give for the 2002-03 FAFSA.
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Mid-February to March
Learn about the Alternative Loan process so you're ready in case you need more money in addition to your aid package.
If you haven't completed the FAFSA do it immediatley.
If you're not working already, look for summer jobs and/or internships in the field of your specialization.
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April to June
Compare your aid awards carefully to determine the best aid package.
Appeal the aid package at your favorite school if the amount of money does not meet your need.
If you still need more loan money, look into alternative loans from our selected lenders.
Explore other financial needs for school including bank accounts, credit cards and various forms of insurance in the Smart Money section. These are very important factors when you are living away from home.
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July to August
If you still need more loan money, continue to explore alternative loans from our selected Lenders.
Get ready to start school!
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