<p>Is there a rush to fill out the FAFSA? Does it matter when one fills it out -- January, February or in the Spring? I heard the timing could affect fin. aid but I'd like more clarity on this issue.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Yes the dates matter.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Check the deadlines for YOUR schools. Make sure you do NOT miss the deadline for any reason.</p></li>
<li><p>Some types of need based monies are limiited and are awarded on a first come/first served basis based on your INITIAL date of filing the FAFSA. These include federal work study, Perkins loans, SEOG (if your school has it). You don’t want to be to far back in the queue to be considered for these if you need them, and qualify for them.</p></li>
<li><p>If you wait until “spring” (what do you mean by that??), you may not leave your school enough time to calculate your financial aid award to send by the time you need to make a matriculation decision by May 1. This is NOT the year to wait until April 15 to file your taxes and get this all done.</p></li>
<li><p>You should file your FAFSA (and Profile if needed) using estimates if your taxes are not yet completed, using the will file status. HOWEVER…you really need to get those taxes done and amend the FAFSA and Profile to reflect your 2011 taxes ASAP (and I can’t emphasize that enough…ASAP).</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thank you for this clear information!</p>