DO IT NOW!
As soon as possible after January 1st (and ideally before March 1st):

• Fill out and submit the FAFSA online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.  Note that your school may have its own deadline for financial aid.

Within a couple of weeks of submitting your FAFSA:

• You should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) via email if you included an email address on your FAFSA.  Your SAR is also automatically sent to the school(s) whose school code you entered on your FAFSA.                                
• After you have your SAR, review it to make sure your information is complete and correct.

Spring - Early Summer:

• Your school's financial aid office will send you an award letter with a financial aid package (provided you have submitted your FAFSA). 
• Accept your package.  Check with your financial aid office to determine the deadline and procedures.

Throughout the year:                                                                                     

• Apply for scholarships to help you finance your education!  Click here to visit the alumni scholarship page.