I applied to Washington and Lee for ED and they said the FAFSA deadline was Dec.1. I filed the FAFSA on Dec.1, but does the University mean they need to be sent the FAFSA by Dec.1 or just to fill out and submit to the FAFSA website by at least the 1st?
You file the FAFSA and it gets processed, usually within a day or two. The schools you listed on your filing then “pull’” the information from FAFSA. Some pull it every day (especially during times of high application) and others pull it as they work through batches.
It would have been better to file it before the deadline, but I think the worst that will happen is that your FA package isn’t ready when you receive the ED decision. At a need blind school, the admissions group will process your application without knowing that the FA group doesn’t have all your information.
Really…the only one who can answer your question is W and L.
But for the future…never…NEVER wait until the 11th hour to complete a financial aid form. Your computer could have failed…or the server could have been down on the fafsa end.
This FAFSA has been available for filing since October 1. I can’t think of any reason why you would,have waited until December 1to complete it.
Not everyone knows about FAFSA before they start the application process. But yes, it is best to get things done early.