Hey everyone, I'm a junior and I'm trying to figure out the financial aid process. Is it possible to apply for financial aid after submitting my college applications, or do I need to do it at the same time? What's the timeline for applying for financial aid? Thanks for your help!
Hello! It's great to hear that you're thinking about the financial aid process ahead of time. To answer your question, yes, you can apply for financial aid after submitting your college applications. However, it's important to be aware of each college's financial aid deadlines, as they may differ from their application deadlines. The timeline for applying for financial aid generally begins with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which becomes available on October 1st of your senior year. It's a good idea to submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after it opens, as some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, some colleges may require the CSS Profile for institutional aid, so make sure to check each college's requirements. In short, while you don't need to apply for financial aid at the exact same time as submitting your college applications, it's essential to stay on top of deadlines and submit the necessary forms as early as you can. Best of luck!
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