Filing FAFSA after March 1st (like idiot)

Paying for College
1

<p>I filed the FAFSA late, some time in mid March, totally unaware of the March 1st deal that delays an award letter until May 15.</p>

<p>Before anyone says anything- yes, I know this is my fault and I don't need a slapping on the wrists, I'm not complaining, I'm just trying to figure something out.</p>

<p>I'm also applying for the Gilman scholarship to study abroad next fall. The deadline is this tuesday and I need an estimated financial aid number from my financial aid office, as well as verification that I'm receiving the Pell Grant. I've received the Pell Grant every year for the past 3 years, and my father's income has not really changed at all, and I know I'm elligible, so I'm nearly positive I'll receive it.</p>

<p>But- I don't have an awards letter yet obviously. I've tried pestering my financial aid office, they haven't responded so far. </p>

<p>My question is, do I really have to wait until Mid May or can I get some sort of estimation and verification from my office now, and just not on paper? Can anyone tell me what the March 1st penalty thing is all about? Why the delay until May 15, specifically? Am I pretty much screwed on the Gilman Scholarship? I would imagine so. If so, I'm none too happy with myself.</p>

2

<p>Will a copy of your SAR work? It should state whether you’re Pell eligible, which would be obvious from the EFC anyway. Is the “estimated financial aid” number you need just a block you fill in on the Gilman app? If so, can’t you use your known aid from this year (plus increase in Pell) as an estimation? If they require an actual FA award letter, you’d better contact the scholarship folks and ask for their advice.</p>

<p>If your EFC isn’t 0, you can estimate your Pell award for next year here:
<a href=“http://www.ifap.ed.gov/dpcletters/attachments/P0901PaymentSchedules1D.pdf[/url]”>http://www.ifap.ed.gov/dpcletters/attachments/P0901PaymentSchedules1D.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

3

<p>Most of those types of scholarship forms require the FA Office sign off on them, which is probably where the bigger problem is. You will have to try to play nice with the FA Office and see if they would be willing to get the form completed before the deadline. I would also suggest you contact the scholarship office and explain that you most likely will not get your award packet until May and how you can get them their information in the meantime.</p>