FAFSA? Too late?

[fuuuuuuuark]

So I was under the impression that the FAFSA ('12-'13) deadline was May 4, 2012. I thought this because USC's website says "Apply as early as January 1, 2012, but before May 4, 2012."

Turns out the FAFSA website says the deadline for California is March 2, 2012 for initial awards.

Did I miss it? Does it depend on the school? 😕😕

And what does it mean to miss the "initial awards?"

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[Ayuka001]

I believe you can still file the FAFSA but you might not get enough funds as ppl who applied before the March 2 deadline. At least that's what my school says:
" For the best financial aid award, the FAFSA results must be received in the Office of Financial Aid by March 2, 2012"

So funds are like first come, first serve. If you apply after the deadline, there's probably less money to give out.

 

[fuuuuuuuark]

I believe you can still file the FAFSA but you might not get enough funds as ppl who applied before the March 2 deadline. At least that's what my school says:
" For the best financial aid award, the FAFSA results must be received in the Office of Financial Aid by March 2, 2012"

So funds are like first come, first serve. If you apply after the deadline, there's probably less money to give out.

Hmm, well I just finished it and submitted it. I'm wondering if it'll be a substantial amount I will miss out on? Did I just mess up big time?

 

[sjwong26]

Hmm, well I just finished it and submitted it. I'm wondering if it'll be a substantial amount I will miss out on? Did I just mess up big time?

Hey there, I did a similar thing. I was admitted to USC in November and completely forgot about FAFSA until after the February 2nd deadline written on my financial aid sheet.

Your best thing to do is to call the financial aid office first thing in the morning on Monday. I freaked out a bit too, but you should still be ok. I asked them if filing after my deadline would affect my chances of receiving financial aid and they said no. If you think about it too, USC has only accepted about ~50-60 students so far so you should be able to receive aid. I would think that if it is super important they would give us more reminders to complete everything by the given deadline. I have also had a friend who got admitted at the very end of May and she was still able to get money (mostly through loans). Good luck!

 

[delfang]

Here is some information from UCSF's website on FAFSA. It should be the same since FAFSA is a government program:

2012-13 Deadlines:
Continuing students - March 2, 2012.
New students - August 10, 2012.

http://finaid.ucsf.edu/application-process/how-apply

I think you're A-OK c:

 

[fuuuuuuuark]

Here is some information from UCSF's website on FAFSA. It should be the same since FAFSA is a government program:

2012-13 Deadlines:
Continuing students - March 2, 2012.
New students - August 10, 2012.

http://finaid.ucsf.edu/application-process/how-apply

I think you're A-OK c:

That's good to hear. I'm going to call FAFSA and the schools tomorrow to make sure, but thanks.

 

[fuuuuuuuark]

The March 2nd deadline was for undergrads (Cal grant, etc).