YOUR FINANCIAL AID TIMELINE 

Some financial aid is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Here’s your guide to staying ahead of  the deadlines so you don’t miss out on any potential financial aid. 

 SEPTEMBER 

9 

Create an FSA ID, which is your username for certain  US Department of Education sites, at FSAID.ed.gov.  

Prepare for the Free Application for Federal Student  Aid (FAFSA®) by gathering financial and tax  information as well as Social Security and driver’s  license or government ID numbers.  

Mark the calendar with the financial aid deadlines  for each school you are applying to.  

Research and apply for scholarships. Check with  your high school counselor for suggestions and  information about local options.  

 OCTOBER 1 

10 

The FAFSA and CSS Profile™ become available.  Complete these early, as some schools offer financial  aid on a first-come, first-served basis. 

 NOVEMBER 

11 

It’s National Scholarship Month!  

Visit DiscoverStudentLoans.com/Scholarship to  search over 3 million scholarships.  

Once you submit your FAFSA, you will receive a  Student Aid Report (SAR). Review the SAR and make  any corrections to your FAFSA, if needed.  

 JANUARY 

1 

Continue applying for scholarships. 

 DECEMBER 

12 

Accept your early decision financial aid package,  if applicable. 

 MARCH 

3 

Compare financial aid offers from your potential  schools at CollegeCovered.com/Award-Letter-Tool 

 MAY 1 

5 

National Decision Day. Notify the school you plan to  attend and pay your deposit no later than today.  

 JUNE 30 

6 

Last day to apply for the FAFSA for those already in  college and seeking financial aid for the year you’ve  just completed.