Accepted defeat, did not file FAFSA. Got off waitlist two days ago. Am I cooked?

[calcuttaho]

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So everything I can see online says FAFSA should be filed by May 1st. It is literally May 22nd. Filing now, but did I make a mistake by not filing for aid? Am I even eligible for financial aid from my institution or Grad PLUS loans without FAFSA being done?

 

[LucidSplash]

https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/fafsa-deadlines

If only FAFSA had information about this on their website.

 

[calcuttaho]

Yes, which is why I made this post. Here’s Pennsylvania’s description:


Aug. 1, 2025

Applications must be submitted by Aug. 1, 2025, midnight Central time (CT) for all first-time applicants enrolled in a community college, business school, trade or technical school, hospital school of nursing, designated Pennsylvania open-admission institution, or nontransferable two-year program.

May 1, 2025

All other applicants must apply by May 1, 2025, midnight CT. Additional forms may be required.


HOWEVER, apparently I’m still possibly eligible for financial aid? I’m not entirely sure how to interpret this. Specifically this: PHEAA: One of the Nation's Leading Student Aid Organizations

“If you miss the PA State Grant deadline for the academic year, apply anyway. Late applications (for terms other than summer) may qualify for awards if funding permits.”

I’m making this post to see if I should prepare for the fact that I might not get funding. Do Federal Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans go through state based aid applications?

 

[DrStephenStrange]

Call the school’s financial aid office. But I think you should still be fine for grad plus loans. If I’m not mistaken missing fafsa deadline only limit you for grants.

 

[wysdoc]

Yes, which is why I made this post. Here’s Pennsylvania’s description:


Aug. 1, 2025

Applications must be submitted by Aug. 1, 2025, midnight Central time (CT) for all first-time applicants enrolled in a community college, business school, trade or technical school, hospital school of nursing, designated Pennsylvania open-admission institution, or nontransferable two-year program.

May 1, 2025

All other applicants must apply by May 1, 2025, midnight CT. Additional forms may be required.


HOWEVER, apparently I’m still possibly eligible for financial aid? I’m not entirely sure how to interpret this. Specifically this: PHEAA: One of the Nation's Leading Student Aid Organizations

“If you miss the PA State Grant deadline for the academic year, apply anyway. Late applications (for terms other than summer) may qualify for awards if funding permits.”

I’m making this post to see if I should prepare for the fact that I might not get funding. Do Federal Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans go through state based aid applications?

Don't panic, young Padawan
You have been trying for 2 cycles to get accepted to med school and now you have an offer.
If you have missed the deadlines because of your late admission, do you have family financial support to get you through the first year?
FAFSAs have to be filed every year for new loans and you can get the paperwork in on time before your MS2 year.

Don't let the timing deter you from starting med school.

 

[calcuttaho]

Don't panic, young Padawan
You have been trying for 2 cycles to get accepted to med school and now you have an offer.
If you have missed the deadlines because of your late admission, do you have family financial support to get you through the first year?
FAFSAs have to be filed every year for new loans and you can get the paperwork in on time before your MS2 year.

Don't let the timing deter you from starting med school.

Not going to deter me! I’m not that stupid, fortunately. Already paid the deposit and looking for apartments.

Just preparing for worst case scenario. I do think my family will help me out for one year if necessary, just preparing for the worst case scenario. I ALSO think this school is willing to help out in the worst case scenario, as well.

 

[LucidSplash]

Yes, which is why I made this post. Here’s Pennsylvania’s description:


Aug. 1, 2025

Applications must be submitted by Aug. 1, 2025, midnight Central time (CT) for all first-time applicants enrolled in a community college, business school, trade or technical school, hospital school of nursing, designated Pennsylvania open-admission institution, or nontransferable two-year program.

May 1, 2025

All other applicants must apply by May 1, 2025, midnight CT. Additional forms may be required.


HOWEVER, apparently I’m still possibly eligible for financial aid? I’m not entirely sure how to interpret this. Specifically this: PHEAA: One of the Nation's Leading Student Aid Organizations

“If you miss the PA State Grant deadline for the academic year, apply anyway. Late applications (for terms other than summer) may qualify for awards if funding permits.”

I’m making this post to see if I should prepare for the fact that I might not get funding. Do Federal Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans go through state based aid applications?

Federal unsubsidized and grad plus loans are federal not state.

 

[wysdoc]

Not going to deter me! I’m not that stupid, fortunately. Already paid the deposit and looking for apartments.

Just preparing for worst case scenario. I do think my family will help me out for one year if necessary, just preparing for the worst case scenario. I ALSO think this school is willing to help out in the worst case scenario, as well.

Dude, I did not say you were stupid, just not to panic and spiral out 🌀

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Trust your financial aid office. You are not the first person to have this issue (or shouldn't be). You got this. (Granted, the schools might be in a pickle due to the current turbulence in higher education and funding rescissions.)