<p>So I'm a CC student about to embark on the transfer process. My question is whether I should wait until I hear back from the schools before I start making financial plans or should I start long before I hear back from them? Like all students, I'm applying to many universities. What is making me uneasy is the thought that if I get accepted to my number one choice and I tell the others to "get lost" but then I find out I'm ineligible for financial aid at the university I chose. Then I'd be stuck without a means of paying and no other choices to tap. Idk if this makes sense, maybe I'm ignorant about something that everyone else knows because nobody I know has had this thought before so if I am missing something please respond ASAP!</p>
<p>You need to read the financial aid section of your college websites ASAP. Look in the financial aid section under “transfer students”. Each school will list their required financial aid application forms and submissions, and the DEADLINES for their receipt. </p>
<p>You will be able to file your FAFSA on January 2, 2015. Do that using your best best estimates for 2014 income. Then get your 2014 income taxes done ASAP (you and your parents). Go back into the FAFSA website and amend it to reflect the accurate numbers from your 2014 tax return.</p>
<p>If your school requires the Profile, or any other forms, check for those deadlines as well. </p>
<p>You will be submitting these forms LONG before you actually get accepted. If you wait until you are accepted, you will likely miss the dead,ones for institutional aid at the colleges.</p>
<p>You apply as soon as you can. Often that is after Jan 1st, but sometimes before with estimated numbers.</p>
<p>Be aware that transfers often get worse aid. If your state gives good aid and you qualify, then that can help you with instate publics.</p>
<p>Dont’ tell any school to get lost, until you have your FA pkgs and really understand them and can afford them.</p>
<p>The FAFSA is not available until January 1 for the 2015-2016 school year…so you cannot do,that prior to January 1.</p>
<p>You need to check the deadlines for your transfer schools for other forms. Some schools use the Profile, and others use their own forms…in addition to the FAFSA. </p>
<p>I don’t think transfer students apply early action or early decision…so it is likely that all of your applications for financial aid will be done ASAP after January 1 with estimates…and updated ASAP after February 1 when your taxes are completed for 2014.</p>
<p>But to be sure…check YOUR colleges for their deadlines…and don’t miss those deadlines.</p>
<p>Some schools have CSS profile deadlines as early as December. Do not wait!</p>
<p>This student is a transfer student. Usually the profile deadline for transfers is after the first of the year…but the OP needs to check EVERY college website of interest for their deadlines…and note that this will vary wildly from college to college.</p>
<p>^ Ooops…Yup, still needs to be careful.</p>