| January |
Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. It's OK to use estimated tax information to meet the filing date. (Get the form at www.fafsa.ed.gov.) |
| February |
If you haven't completed the FAFSA, do it now! After filing the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). |
| April |
Schools start sending out award letters. Read yours carefully. Remember, some schools place a time limit on the offer, so don't miss the deadline. |
| May |
Notify the school's financial aid office of any scholarships you have been awarded. This may affect your student aid eligibility. |
| June |
If you have accepted a loan, you will need to sign a promissory note, promising to pay the money back. Parents may be required to sign also. |
| July |
Find out when you must pay tuition, fees, room and board and plan how you will do so. Be sure you know when your financial aid will be disbursed and whether you can defer paying some charges until the funds are available. |
| August |
School starts. Be sure to bring enough money for all the things you'll need during the first week -- books, supplies, deposits, etc. |