<p>Another factor is the date you filed the FAFSA (and, if chosen for verification, the date on which you submitted your final verification document). Where I work, students who apply by the priority date & complete all verification requirements within 30 days of the date requested are granted the best aid … so a 0 EFC student who completes the FAFSA on time & complies with all requests for further information right away will get a better financial aid package than the student who applies after the priority filing date. The late-comer may still get a pretty good package … but the student who waits oo long is going to be out of luck for any institutional aid, SEOG, or CWS. Being on time is very important these days, when there are more “needy” students than ever.</p>