Timelines

Timelines/Deadlines

  • 1.  Research Early (Junior Year of High School): 

    • Start researching potential colleges/universities and their financial aid policies. 

    • Look into scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial assistance available.

    2. Understand Deadlines: 

    • Pay close attention to application deadlines for both colleges and financial aid. 

    • Some scholarships and grants have early deadlines, so be proactive. 

    3. Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): 

    • The FAFSA becomes available on October 1st each year. Aim to submit it as early as possible. 

    • Double-check information for accuracy before submitting. 

    4. Research Additional Forms: 

    • Some colleges may require additional financial aid forms, such as the CSS Profile. 

    • Be aware of any supplementary documentation required by individual institutions. 

    5. Seek Scholarships: 

    • Continue researching and applying for scholarships throughout the year. 

    • Look for local scholarships, as well as national ones, to increase your chances of receiving aid. 

    6. Review Financial Aid Offers: 

    • Once you receive financial aid offers from colleges, carefully review them. 

    • Compare offers from different institutions, considering factors such as grants, loans, and work-study programs. 

    • At the University of Montana, the tuition is fixed once at full time enrollment versus at some schools, you pay per credit even after full time enrollment is reached. 

    7. Additional Documents 

    • Submit additional documents requested in a timely manner 

    8. Special Circumstances: 

    • If you believe you there is a special circumstance that affects your ability to pay for college, ask about Special Circumstances. 

    • Politely contact the financial aid office, explain your situation and provide supportive documentation. 

    9. Accept Aid and Finalize Plans: 

    • After comparing offers and negotiating (if applicable), accept the financial aid package that best suits your needs. 

    • Make sure to meet any additional requirements set by the college, such as submitting enrollment deposits. 

    10. Stay Informed: 

    • Throughout the process, stay informed about any updates or changes to financial aid policies. 

    • Keep track of deadlines and requirements to ensure everything is submitted on time. 

    11. Continue Seeking Aid: 

    • Even after starting college, continue searching for scholarships and other forms of financial aid. 

    • Explore opportunities for work-study programs or part-time employment to help cover expenses.