FinAid

[rexosaurus]

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so... I know I have to fill out my FAFSA and such, but now that I know for sure I have to move... when do I get my money? (I sound greedy, but really I'm just poor!) I've been told a lot of this is dependent on the school, when they disburse funds and such. But I'm trying to think, how the heck am I going to move, find a place, get into a place, all before school starts with no financial aid? How did you guys do it?

 

[pressmom]

I hate to say this, but my parents helped me and I used money from working over the summer (and winter) to move. I know Tennessee gives out disbursement checks the first week of each semester unless you sign a direct deposit form, then they just put your extra directly into your checking account or whatever.

 

[rexosaurus]

seriously? do schools not take into account that up to half of the incoming class every year has to move (possibly across the whole country)? or do they know and just don't see it as they're problem? 😱 i better start stripping 😉

 

[Habibti]

Wisconsin sends their checks out a week or so before classes.

 

[SillyFilly]

Desperately seeking Sugar Daddy, anyone?


Anyone?

(Making the gross assumption I get in and have to move. Which is, you know, probably not going to happen.)

 

[clawsbeatskin]

Here's my question...Should I fill out the FAFSA now, even if I don't have any acceptances yet? I'm on one waitlist and it's still too early to hear about the others. I just know that you're supposed to fill it out early.

 

[banditalfi]

I found out yesterday that the FAFSA was due Friday for Cornell. Needless to say, I had not yet done it.

Do your FAFSA now!

 

[Angelo84]

Here's my question...Should I fill out the FAFSA now, even if I don't have any acceptances yet? I'm on one waitlist and it's still too early to hear about the others. I just know that you're supposed to fill it out early.

You can just put in all the schools you may be accepted to. If you end up not going there the school will just file the info. But do it now!

 

[alliecat44]

I hate to say this, but my parents helped me and I used money from working over the summer (and winter) to move. I know Tennessee gives out disbursement checks the first week of each semester unless you sign a direct deposit form, then they just put your extra directly into your checking account or whatever.

I did this, too...even though a big chunk of my "leftover" financial aid had to go to paying my mom back. It's really unfortunate, but I think at most/every school you don't get your financial aid until the first week of classes (or at the earliest, a week before that).

Another option would be to take out a personal loan from a bank, and then pay it back with your financial aid as soon as it's disbursed--the interest on federal loans is bound to be less than interest on a personal loan.

Hope that helps...!

 

[nyanko]

I found out yesterday that the FAFSA was due Friday for Cornell. Needless to say, I had not yet done it.

Do your FAFSA now!

I don't know how they can expect you to have it done on Feb. 1 when the last day you can get W-2's from your employers is Jan 31 and a lot of employers wait until the last minute. That's kinda nuts.

 

[VAgirl]

Does anyone else know if certain schools require the FAFSA super early? I only knew about the March 1 due date for the HPSL. I'm not aware of any other due date. I think I can get mine done within a week or so since I just finished my taxes yesterday (blech), but still, any earlier than March 1 is rathe fast.

Hopefully no one other than Cornell requires it super early. I suppose I'll have to go trolling through websites/calling admissions again. Hrm.

 

[UVA Wahoo]

I looked at the VA-MD financial aid website, and I believe it says for vet students FAFSA apps are due by March 11. A little bit of leeway btw then and February 22, when they are supposed to send out acceptance letters. :0) I guess just be ready to do your FAFSA when the letter arrives! (hopefully a good one!) :0)

 

[VAgirl]

I looked at the VA-MD financial aid website, and I believe it says for vet students FAFSA apps are due by March 11. A little bit of leeway btw then and February 22, when they are supposed to send out acceptance letters. :0) I guess just be ready to do your FAFSA when the letter arrives! (hopefully a good one!) :0)

Oh, I think we need to do our FAFSAs before then. By March 1 if you want a shot at qualifying for the HPSL. But I was just concerned if any schools required it earlier.

Thanks for the info on VA-MD...that takes my mind off of one, at least! 🙂

 

[pika8]

Hey--

Yes, taking a loan from a bank is probably your best option. I highly recommend joining a credit union and borrowing from them--they often have lower interest rates and are just plain nicer than the bigger banks. The credit union I belong to even has a "first month, last month, security deposit" loan specifically for people who don't have the money to move into a new place.

Otherwise, look for a 0% interest credit card (amex and citibank both have one). You can charge stuff, then pay it back as soon as you get your loan money for school without having to pay the interest...

Good luck!

 

[VAgirl]

Otherwise, look for a 0% interest credit card (amex and citibank both have one). You can charge stuff, then pay it back as soon as you get your loan money for school without having to pay the interest...

Good luck!

Just be sure to read the fine print. I once applied for a 0% card for which I was "pre-approved" for much the same reason, but when the card came, it was not at all 0%. Despite the "pre-approval" I apparently hadn't actually qualified for that 0% introductory rate. They were basically trying to pull one over on me by sending me a card anyway. Bottom line, READ EVERYTHING in your credit card agreement before using the card!!