<p>Words can't describe how bad/stupid I feel right now. I am completely clueless, as are my parents, about the financial aid process. I thought that I didn't need to reapply for financial aid every year. I contacted the FA office 2 days ago and they said to do fafsa/css. Cost of attending college this year will be 50k. What should I expect to happen right now? I am assuming they have given out all the money already to the students. I feel like crap right now. Will I have to sit out a year?
I am a rising sophomore.</p>
<p>It depends on the school. Your FA office will be better able to answer your question. Some fund sources may have been given out already, but the school will be able to tell you more… probably nothing specific however until they get your aid applications.</p>
<p>Fill out the forms as soon as possible (tonight). They will process them and begin awarding you a package as soon as they can. Remember they are swamped this time of year.</p>
<p>Some aid may be exhausted. This would be grants provided by your university and other non-regulated aid. Federal grants (Pell) and your state grants* can not be exhausted and will be given if you meet the financial aid requirements.</p>
<p>*Depends on your state regulations</p>
<p>With that high of a COA, you should expect loans unless you have a scholarship from the school (which I imagined you would have mentioned). Even with student loans, your family will probably need to take out private loans to meet any difference in your aid and the COA. If worst comes to worst, take community college courses that will transfer and return your studies to that university next year.</p>
<p>Usually, schools contact current students, especially students receiving financial aid, to remind students to re-apply. Didn’t your school ever email you or your parents, or give you some kind of information about what was required?</p>
<p>jamesjr…just gotta ask…are you a student or a parent? ON this thread you sound like a very knowledgable grown up…but on your other thread (about marrying for finaid) you sound like a student. Just curious.</p>
<p>To the OP…get your FAFSA and Profile completed NOW. Then talk to your financial aid counselor. If your school is a no loan school (some are) and meets full need, you will be in better shape than if your school doesn’t meet full need.</p>
<p>Teachandmom, I know that my school does not notify students about financial aid. The only e-mails students receive are once their FAFSA is processed and they can view their award online. No e-mail reminders for my school either! </p>
<p>Thumper1, I am a student (19yrs).</p>