Easy Money: Scholarships, Grants and More

With the bulk of winter on its way out and spring on its way in there is much to be thankful for this time of year, including (you guessed it) financial aid (well, maybe you didn't guess it, but this is Savvy Student!).

Tax season is upon us and that means it is time to apply for or renew your financial aid. The steps are mostly the same whether you're a first timer or going into your senior year. And, if you have not applied before, but find yourself struggling to make ends meet you should apply, as you may very well receive assistance.

Most students seeking aid are asked to submit the following:

• CSS Profile available through the CollegeBoard (www.collegeboard.com)

• FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid available at www.fafsa.ed.gov)

• Completed prior year's Federal tax returns (in this case 2009) including all signatures, schedules, W-2's and business returns if applicable.

Students needing financial assistance must submit these materials by mid-April. The priority filing deadline for this year is April 23rd. If any documents are missing or new ones are required Student Financial Services notifies you via email. So, please check your spam blocker because these messages are important.

Once the CSS Profile is submitted students will be prompted with instructions on sending their Federal returns to IDOC. For students unfamiliar with IDOC, it is a service provided by the CollegeBoard by which returns are scanned in and images are produced for our office.

Once all materials have been submitted the student's file will be reviewed. In the May/June time frame most students begin receiving their "gift" by way of a Student Financial Services envelope detailing their award.

The steps seem fairly simple, but can actually be quite complicated. If you have questions about your award package or applying for aid for the first time please stop by our office as we are always happy to help.


Savvy Student