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Financial Aid Timeline for the Senior Year

August / September

•Send away for college applications and information.
•Log on to ww.fastweb.com to research and apply for private scholarships.
•Visit your library or bookstore to research any additional sources of scholarships and internships (e.g., The COMPLETE Scholarship Book by Student Services, Inc.).

October / November

•Create a schedule of admissions and financial aid deadlines for yourself.
• Submit applications for early decision / early action programs if you are sure about which college you want to attend.

December / January

• Obtain all financial aid forms that may be required by your intended schools.
• Use your winter break to earn money. Find a good winter break job and visit www.fastweb.com to apply for more scholarships.
• Obtain a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available at high schools, colleges and libraries, or by calling 1-800-4-fed-aid. FAFSA is also available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
• Complete, copy, and submit the FAFSA as soon as possible.
• Parents should compile income tax information and complete taxes early to facilitate FAFSA completion.

February / March

• Be sure that you have submitted all required financial aid forms.
• Thousands of private scholarships have March 1 application deadlines.
• If required, send copies of your income tax forms to financial aid offices.
• Verify the accuracy of information you receive back from the government from the FAFSA submission.

April / May

• Sign and return financial aid forms.
• Receive admissions notifications and compare your financial aid packages
• Seek to optimize rather than maximize your award.
• Send final transcript and student loan applications to your chosen college.
• Contact your financial aid office to check status.
• Contact admissions and financial aid offices of schools whose offers you have decided to decline. (Other students may be waiting for your spot / aid.)

June / July

• It’s never too early to look for next year!