<p>I am the first kid in my family to go to college, so we are at a loss about the whole financial aid thing. I got a FAFSA pin number in late december, all ready to file ASAP after Jan. 1st.. My parents told me we wouldn't be able to do it til about this time, so I sort of put it to the back of my mind, agitated that I was going against what all the websites recommend.. I just found out that the financial aid deadline for many of my schools was Feb. 1st.. What can/should I do? If I don't get financial aid, I'm screwed. I also got sick and was bedridden for the last week of January, so it didn't even cross my mind. My uncle also was on Workman's Compensation for the past year, and can't fill that stuff out until this week or next week.. I'm freaking out and greatly distressed. Please help!!! x(</p>
<p>Call or e-mail the colleges Mon. and ask how the lateness will affect your financial aid. Some colleges give need-based aid on a first come, first served basis. Others may still guarantee to meet 100% of students' documented need (remember the college, not your family determines your need), but may not be able to tell you your aid package until weeks after you're admitted.</p>
<p>I also strongly suggest that you make sure that you have a financial safety -- a college that you know you'll get accepted to and know that you can afford. Often such colleges are local 2 year or 4-year public institutions that have relatively low costs and that are within commuting distance.</p>
<p>One of the colleges my daughter applied to apparently had a FAFSA deadline of January 15! Somehow, this slipped under our radar, and come Feb. 1, we received a postcard from the school, telling us to get it in as soon as possible. I have a feeling you'll be OK on this, at least with some of the schools.</p>
<p>In some, not all, colleges that is a "priority" deadline. What that means differs from college to college. For many, that's when they start processing but if you can get it in soon after, you will still be good. Remember, both you and one of your parent/guardian must have seperate Pin numbers so make sure they apply for one today if they haven't already. Contact the colleges you applied to Monday to ease your mind and do the best you can. Remember, if you don't have all the info you need, estimate the best you can and get it in. You can do a correction in a couple of weeks. Also, since neither you or your parents are familiar with the process, go to your counselor on Monday and talk with them. They may be able to walk you through the process. Maybe they will be willing to talk with your parents and do what they can to help with the process.</p>
<p>Take a deep breathe and don't panic. You are probably still good in many places. You and your parents will just be very very busy in the next few days. Good Luck.</p>