High school taught me how to skim through the book and prepare myself for a test in one night. There I learned how to follow the deadlines, but still somehow leave everything to the last minute. But what they didn’t teach me in high school, and I think many of you can relate to this, is how to handle money. Being a first-generation college student, I didn’t know anything about loans, grants and other meaningless-to-me-back-then words. I had to learn everything the hard way. But, you don’t have to, and believe me, financial aid is something you cannot learn in one night or put off until the last minute.
The government realizes how challenged and overwhelmed we feel about FAFSA. October 1, 2016 is the earliest day for you to file your 2017-18 FAFSA. Keep in mind that schools award financial aid on first come, first served basis. Accepted students can schedule a phone or in-person appointment with a financial aid counselor any time they have questions.
Check this financial aid checklist for all the necessary deadlines and guidelines or simply reference to the “Step-by-Step Financial Aid Guide” infographic:
“It always seems impossible until it is done.” Nelson Mandela
Did you find the infographic helpful? Please leave your comments below.
By: Natalia Panfilova