FAFSA

[fedupofthewait]

It seems like this is the best place to ask this question:

Have you guys filled out your FAFSA for the schools that you have applied to?

Some of my schools' online status says FAFSA not received. I was not sure if we needed to fill out the FAFSA for Ph.D. apps as well.

Edited February 12, 2012 by fedupofthewait

[user_name]

i did the fafsa, now let's see if i get in.

[fedupofthewait]

Thanks user_name. I guess there is no harm in getting it done. I am not sure if I will get in anywhere though

[antecedent]

UW Madison kept sending me little "Helloooo! Could you fill out your FAFSA, please and thank you?" emails so I did early.

[Timshel]

I wonder why schools want you to fill it out? Hmmmmm.. I mean, I was considering filling out the Fafsa to take out a small, very small, loan to help with getting started in a completely new place to live, but I'm not sure why schools would require you to fill this out. Could anyone explain?

[TripWillis]

I want to do it, but I'm not sure what schools to send it to yet. Can you send it to an unlimited amount of schools?

[Silent_G]

I want to do it, but I'm not sure what schools to send it to yet. Can you send it to an unlimited amount of schools?

Yes, you can. It will ask you whether or not you're enrolled in a particular school, and then it will ask you if you have potential schools that you would like to send your information to. I recommend filling it out now, because most state deadlines are March 1 for priority consideration.

[Timshel]

Yes, you can. It will ask you whether or not you're enrolled in a particular school, and then it will ask you if you have potential schools that you would like to send your information to. I recommend filling it out now, because most state deadlines are March 1 for priority consideration.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that "priority deadlines" were mostly for undergrads who were trying to get grants and what-not, but that straight up loans didn't really matter in terms of time frame....

[lyonessrampant]

Timshel, I believe you're right. I didn't file my FAFSA last year until I had decided on which program I would attend. You don't qualify for the same grants as stuff as undergrads, so all it does is indicate how much (if any) Federal Stafford loans you qualify for. Do be sure that your department reports your entire package (as in both semesters) to the financial aid office. If not, you'll get an unpleasant email right before spring semester saying not only will you not be getting the money you thought you'd get in the spring but they want half of what you got in the fall back. . .

[Timshel]

Timshel, I believe you're right. I didn't file my FAFSA last year until I had decided on which program I would attend. You don't qualify for the same grants as stuff as undergrads, so all it does is indicate how much (if any) Federal Stafford loans you qualify for. Do be sure that your department reports your entire package (as in both semesters) to the financial aid office. If not, you'll get an unpleasant email right before spring semester saying not only will you not be getting the money you thought you'd get in the spring but they want half of what you got in the fall back. . .

Lyoness, have you taken out any loans? I really don't want to add to my student loan debt, but I think I will need some for the first year since we have no idea what kind of job my husband will get yet.

[lyonessrampant]

I did, pretty much for that reason. We were relocating far away, and my husband took the bar in the state we were moving from (and hope to return to eventually), and the law job scene is pretty much shit right now, even worse if you're not yet licensed in a state. The bar is only offered twice a year, so he couldn't even take it until February (this month), and we wanted a house to live in rather than an apartment building. Given these constraints, I decided to take loans that we would use if we had to, and if we didn't need them, I just planned on applying them to other loans that have higher interest rates. Given that my department accountant is pretty incompetent, this plan has sort of backfired, but I would totally consider a loan if you need for relocating. Don't underestimate having to move, pay a deposit and rent on a new place, get settled, buy new furniture and stuff, pay your fees (almost NO schools cover your fees. Your package includes tuition, healthcare, and a stipend, but you'll have anywhere from $500-800 in fees each semester that you'll have to pay), and get books. If you don't have a good-sized savings, you may need a small loan just to reduce the stress of relocating, getting settled, and starting at a new program. I think that the fewer things you can be stressed out about, the better your first semester will go.

[TripWillis]

Yes, you can. It will ask you whether or not you're enrolled in a particular school, and then it will ask you if you have potential schools that you would like to send your information to. I recommend filling it out now, because most state deadlines are March 1 for priority consideration.

Thanks for this info! I just did the FAFSA. Took me like 2 minutes.

@Timshel -- Yeah, I hope my student loan days are, for the most part, over. However, I might take out something small this fall just to help myself get established.

[fedupofthewait]

I guess I will have to file my taxes this week, and then fill out the FAFSA!