FAFSA Financial Aid Calendar

November

• Go over the FAFSA application form and put together the paperwork you'll need.
• Collect letters of recommendation in preparation for submitting college admissions applications.

January

• Submit the FAFSA application form as soon as possible after January 1. Be sure to list the schools you are considering (up to six) on the application. Estimate the required tax information if you have not yet filed.
• Submit state financial aid applications, if required. Check with your school's Financial Aid Office for deadlines.
• Approximately two weeks after submitting your FAFSA application, you should receive notice that the application was received.

February

• Approximately two weeks after submitting your FAFSA application, you should receive notice that the application was received.
• If you submitted your FAFSA application early in January, you might receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) in February-it usually takes four to eight weeks.
• Submit a state financial aid application, if required.
• Check with the schools to which you've applied and complete any financial forms they require.

March

• If you submitted your FAFSA application early in January or early February, you might receive your Student Aid Report in March. It usually takes four to eight weeks. If you haven't received your Student Aid Report (SAR) yet (assuming it's been at least four weeks since you submitted it), contact the federal processor at 1-319-337-5665.
• Review your SAR carefully; make any necessary corrections directly on Part 2 of the SAR and return it to the address provided, or submit changes to the FAFSA online via FAFSA Corrections on the Web.

April

• College acceptance letters usually arrive before May 1.
• Look for an Award Letter from each of the schools to which you've been accepted. This letter lists the types and amounts of financial aid you'll receive for the upcoming academic year.

May

• Choose the school you wish to attend and let them know. Notify the schools you didn't select so they can award your financial aid package to other eligible students.
• Complete student loan applications, including Federal Stafford student loans, Federal PLUS Loans for Parents.
• If you haven't already done so, you can submit your FAFSA application online.

June

• If you haven't already done so, submit your FAFSA application online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
• Complete student loan applications, including Federal Stafford Loans, Federal PLUS Loans for Parents.

July

• Notify your school about any changes in your financial situation, including any outside scholarships or grants you've received.
• It's still not too late to complete student loan applications, including Federal Stafford Loans, Federal PLUS Loans for Parents.
• Now is the time to request brochures and information from the schools you're interested in attending.

August

• If you've been awarded work-study, contact your school's Financial Aid Office to complete any school-required paperwork and review current openings.

More information on Student Loans