March calendar: review aid steps

use the month to analyze your college selection

Acceptance and financial aid notices will be arriving from colleges. Watch the mail and make sure you address all notices and deadlines. Keep search for all available financial aid sources.

Below are four (4) quick summary tasks for the month of March:

Page Topics:

scroll to summary tasks

for HS seniors

Getting Ready for College

Imagine moving into your own home (which is what you will do when you go to college). Think about what you might need for the bedroom, study area, kitchen, closet, etc.

Download our FREE
college packing checklist

Monthly checkup:

You should receive your Student Aid Report from the Federal Government indicating your eligibility for financial aid. Sign and return the SAR to the school(s) you are attending.
You must complete and submit your Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) before receiving the Student Aid Report (SAR).
Contact the financial aid office of the schools to which you applied. Make sure they have all the information they need.
Schools will be sending out acceptance notices by April 15. Respond promptly to requests from admissions and the school's financial aid offices.

for HS seniors

Preview the Aid Process

Let's talk money for college — jump over to our College Financial Aid Guide. We have five summary notes:

Note 1:   understand the aid process
Note 2:   submitting the FAFSA form
Note 3:   review the student aid report
Note 4:   get the financial award letter
Note 5:   view financial aid options

summarizes the financial aid process
	View our Financial Aid notes ...

Also view our aid charts for financial aid options:

	aid chart for: undergraduates
	aid chart for: parents of undergraduates
	summary: summary student loan chart
	summary: student loans pros and cons
	summary: summary aid options

for HS seniors

Finalize Scholarship Search

March is scholarship essay completion time. Many scholarships will require an essay for consideration. Get help reviewing your essay from experts.

There are plenty of scholarships available. So do your research.

directory of scholarship sites
	begin your scholarship search

for HS seniors

Find a Summer Job

Have you found that summer job? Use the summer to raise money you will need for college. Money earned can be used for tuition, housing, transportation and for fun entertainment.

If you worked last summer with a job you liked, go back and see if you can work with them again this coming summer. Or try to find a different summer job that fits your career goals.