financial aid, anyone?

<p>Hey, guys. I've been keeping up with CC for about a year now, and I finally decided to register. So here goes my first, post, yay!
I'm a senior and really interested in U of I. Applying for financial aid has been pretty easy, considering U of I asks only for the FAFSA. I saw this on the uiuc website:
"After you file a FAFSA, the information is forwarded to OSFA by the federal government. OSFA processes the information and sends award letters to students starting in March indicating the amount of financial assistance applicants will receive."
So...has anyone received anything yet?? I haven't. I know it's still early March, but I'm curious.
Past applicants, when did you get your financial aid packet? Also, did you find they were enough to allow you to attend, even though U of I isn't really known for great financial aid, being a state school? Thanks in advance for any input.</p>

<p>Be aware that nothing will be sent out for at least the next week or two, because they are waiting for the board to vote on the tuition and other rates for incoming freshman next year which is supposed to happen in about a week. In the past, letters have usually shown up in April.</p>

<p>kim p......nothing has been heard here. I think it will be more around the the 26th. I dunno why I think that,...but I do!</p>

<p>When's UIUC's deadline for receiving the FAFSA application? I'm still waiting on data from some institutions before I can complete my 2006 Tax returns and without the completed tax returns, I'm unable to accurately complete the FAFSA application. Can I just "estimate" the info on the FAFSA forms? The FAFSA website shows (by state) that for Illinois, the applications are due 9/30/07. Is this correct? Reading this thread, I get the impression that UIUC will be issuing award letters much sooner. Thank you.</p>

<p>"Preferential" filing date is by March 15. If you want to be considered on an equal level with others you should get it in by then. Estimates are fine. You can send in FAFSA later than that but then you will be considered for aid only after all those who met the preferential date and thus face an issue as to whether there will be any aid left to get.</p>