Senior Year: Financial Aid Checklist

Your senior year is an exciting time—you’re planning for what’s next after high school. You’re applying to colleges, imagining what your dorm will look like, and ready to claim your independence. In all the excitement, you could lose track of important financial aid dates and details.

We get it. You have a lot going on. Here’s a checklist to help you manage all the financial aid details.

Senior Year: Fall Semester

September

• Create an FSA ID: The FSA ID is a username and password you’ll use when you (electronically) sign and submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).  This will do more than help you qualify for federal financial aid. It will also allow you to be eligible for any scholarships provided by your selected schools.
• Find and apply for scholarships: Scholarships can help make college more affordable. Set yourself up for success at the beginning of your senior year by creating a list of the scholarships you want to apply for, along with their requirements and deadlines. Apply for these scholarships as they become available year-round.

October

• Fill out and submit the CSS Profile (if required): The CSS Profile is an online application that some colleges use to determine eligibility for nonfederal, institutional financial aid. If any of the colleges you are considering require the CSS Profile, make sure to submit it by the colleges’ priority deadlines.

November 

• Gather needed financial aid documents: Review a list of documents you will need to get started.
• Prepare a List of Schools: When you fill out your FAFSA application, you’ll be asked to provide the names of colleges, universities, or career schools you’d like to share your FAFSA information with.  Create a college list by using College Search to help you narrow your search by affordability, major, or admissions.

December

• Fill out and submit the FAFSA: Complete and submit the FAFSA application as early as possible. Some financial aid is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Keep in mind that you should check application requirements and filing deadlines posted on financial aid websites for your selected schools. 
• Fill out and submit additional financial aid forms: You may have to submit additional applications for state and institutional aid, depending on the colleges you apply to. Check each college’s website. Contact their financial aid office for information.

Senior Year: Spring Semester

January and February

• Review your FAFSA Submission Summary: After you submit the FAFSA, you’ll be able to view your FAFSA Submission Summary. This is a summary of the information you reported on the FAFSA. It’s important to review your FAFSA Submission Summary to ensure your FAFSA is complete and to learn about next steps.
• Complete FAFSA Verification (if selected): Verification is a routine process to double-check information submitted on the FAFSA. If you’re selected for verification, you’ll receive instructions from your colleges to complete the process.
• Check the status of your financial aid: Contact the financial aid office to confirm that your financial aid application is complete. Submit any missing documents as soon as possible.
• Keep an eye out for financial aid offers: Once you’ve been accepted to a college and completed the above steps, you’ll receive a financial aid offer. The offer lists the types and amounts of financial aid the college can give you for 1 year of school. Financial aid offers may arrive by mail, email, or your college student portal. Remember to read all communications from each college.

March and April

• Review and compare your financial aid offers: How much financial aid you receive will vary between colleges and can change with each year you attend. To make a financially informed decision, pay attention to how much each college expects you to pay.
• Learn about the appeal process: If your financial or family situation has changed or you need more financial aid to make a college affordable, you may be eligible to submit a financial aid appeal. Contact the financial aid office for information about their appeal process.

May

• Choose a College: Before planning any next steps for enrollment, you’ll have to choose a college. When deciding, make sure you're factoring in cost, academics, and school culture, among other considerations. An important first step is reviewing your financial aid offers and comparing all options before deciding where to go.
• Submit your tuition deposit: Once you’ve decided on a college, you may need to pay an admission deposit to secure your place in the incoming freshmen class. Many colleges consider the amount and type of financial aid you may receive when determining if an admission deposit is required and may waive this fee. Tuition deposits apply toward your tuition and fee bill. Your admission office can provide more information about admission deposits and any steps you may need to take to secure your offer of admission. 

Deadlines may vary based on your admission application plan and the college or university’s policies. Check with your school to ensure you have the correct admissions and financial deadlines. You can also review fall 2024 enrollment commitment deadlines from institutions. 

Summer Before College

• Complete your summer steps: The financial aid process doesn’t end once you’ve made your college decision. Over the summer you should take steps to ensure a successful college start, such as setting up your student portal and paying your fall bill.

The financial aid process is an annual process that continues throughout your time in college, although it won’t include all the same steps you took in your senior year of high school. Each year, you’ll submit financial aid applications, apply for scholarships, and review your financial aid. Staying on top of your required financial aid steps will enable you to continue to receive the financial aid you deserve.