STEP 3: Get Started, Now!

A Step-by-Step Guide

1. It's the fall of your senior year - start searching:
   • Search for a college.
   • Search for "free money."
   • Apply as early as possible.
   Ideally, your search for a college should begin as early as your sophomore year. In the fall of your senior year, you should start applying to your top choices. At the same time, actively search for scholarships and grants.

2. After applying for admission, file your forms:
   • Get the forms, know the deadlines.
   • File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 1st.
   • File any other applicable forms, such as a housing application, by the deadlines.
   Don't wait to find out where you've been accepted to apply for financial aid. Schools may have different deadlines for admissions and financial aid. Be sure to contact the college financial aid office for forms and deadlines.
   
   The FAFSA is the one form every student applying for financial aid must file with the federal government. File it as soon as possible after January. You can obtain a copy of the FAFSA form from your high school, local college, or online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
   
   Four to six weeks after filing your FAFSA, you (and each school you designate on the form) will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Schools that accept you for admission will use this report to create financial aid award packages. The award package information will be sent to you in the mail.
   
   A note about Expected Family Contribution (EFC): This is the amount your family is expected to pay toward college, as determined by the FAFSA. No matter what school you attend, your EFC remains the same. Your EFC helps determine the amount of financial aid needed.

3. You've been accepted - it's time to make a decision:
   • Compare the financial aid award packages carefully.
   • Follow up with the college financial aid office.
   • Choose the college that's right for you.
   The award packages from each school will vary, yet each will provide information on how much federal, institutional and state aid you are eligible for. Take the time, with your parents, to compare the packages and follow up with the individual financial aid offices if you have any questions.
   
   The moment has come. Choose the school you want to attend and accept in writing. Decline all other offers in writing.

4. Don't forget to follow through on your financial aid:
   • Accept your award package.
   • Choose your student loan lender.
   • Submit your student loan applications.
   If you are eligible for student loans and have decided to borrow, you must accept, in writing, the Stafford Loan (subsidized or unsubsidized) first. Choose your lender and submit your applications.

5. You're on your way:
   • Attend your entrance interview.
   • Sign for the money (if required).
   When you borrow for the first time, you must attend an entrance interview before money is disbursed. Your financial aid advisor can give you details.
   
   The money will be sent to your school electronically or by check. Some schools apply the money to your tuition bill automatically. Others will request you sign for the money. The ball is now in your court. Keep good records and get a great education!

STEP 4: YOUR FINANCIAL AID CHECKLIST >>>