| January | | | | * Look for an Award Letter from each of the schools |
| * Submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after | | | | to which you've been accepted. This letter lists the |
| January 1. Be sure to list the schools you are | | | | types and amounts of financial aid you'll receive for the |
| considering (up to six) on the application. Estimate the | | | | upcoming academic year. |
| required tax information if you have not yet filed. And | | | | May |
| don't forget to check out our Tips on Completing the | | | | * Choose the school you wish to attend and let them |
| FAFSA. | | | | know. Notify the schools you didn't select so they can |
| * Submit state financial aid applications, if required. | | | | award your financial aid package to other eligible |
| Check with your school's Financial Aid Office for | | | | students. |
| deadlines. | | | | * Complete student loan applications, including Federal |
| * Use the NextStudent Scholarship Search Engine to | | | | Stafford Loans, Federal PLUS Loans for Parents. If |
| find free aid opportunities. | | | | you still need money for college, apply online for a |
| * Approximately two weeks after submitting your | | | | NextStudent Private Loan. |
| FAFSA, you should receive notice that the application | | | | * If you haven't already done so, you can submit your |
| was received. | | | | FAFSA online. |
| February | | | | June |
| * Approximately two weeks after submitting your | | | | * If you haven't already done so, submit your FAFSA |
| FAFSA, you should receive notice that the application | | | | online at |
| was received. | | | | * Complete student loan applications, including Federal |
| * If you submitted your FAFSA early in January, you | | | | Stafford Loans, Federal PLUS Loans for Parents. If |
| might receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) in | | | | you still need money for college, apply online for a |
| February—it usually takes four to eight weeks. | | | | NextStudent Private Loan. |
| * Submit a state financial aid application, if required. | | | | July |
| * Check with the schools to which you've applied and | | | | * Notify your school about any changes in your |
| complete any financial forms they require. | | | | financial situation, including any outside scholarships or |
| March | | | | grants you've received. |
| * If you submitted your FAFSA early in January or | | | | * It's still not too late to complete student loan |
| early February, you might receive your Student Aid | | | | applications, including Federal Stafford Loans, Federal |
| Report in March—it usually takes four to eight | | | | PLUS Loans for Parents. If you still need money for |
| weeks. If you haven't received your Student Aid | | | | college, apply online for a NextStudent Private Loan. |
| Report (SAR) yet (assuming it's been at least four | | | | * High school seniors—now is the time to request |
| weeks since you submitted it), contact the federal | | | | brochures and information from the schools you're |
| processor at 1-319-337-5665 | | | | interested in attending. |
| * Review your SAR carefully; make any necessary | | | | August |
| corrections directly on Part 2 of the SAR and return it | | | | * If you've been awarded work-study, contact your |
| to the address provided, or submit changes to the | | | | school's Financial Aid Office to complete any |
| FAFSA online via FAFSA Corrections on the Web. | | | | school-required paperwork and review current |
| April | | | | openings. |
| * College acceptance letters usually arrive before May | | | | * Apply for scholarships using the NextStudent |
| 1. | | | | Scholarship Search Engine. |