FAFSA date conflicting with application deadlines?

[Sam0]

Hey everyone! This has been puzzling me for a while, and was wondering if any one could please explain...

So I am going to try and turn all of my applications in by the December deadlines. However, FAFSA is not available until January 1, so how do schools fully decide about you and how much financial aid they wil give you if they can not have access to your FAFSA until about a month later?

I hope my question makes sense. Thank you!

[TakeruK]

It could depend on field/school/department but most grad school decisions are not made until February at the earliest. I'd even bet that at many schools, the admissions committee don't even look at the application packages and make decisions until after everyone returns from their winter holiday break (i.e. in January). The December deadlines allow for their staff to put together the paperwork, track down missing transcripts, scores, letters, etc. but I think that the majority of decisions are not made until after Jan 1. But I do know that some places can make earlier decisions and I have heard of people knowing their result before December is over, even!

[Inspired V]

The other thing to consider is that the admissions decision and financial aid offerings are usually two separate processes. The admissions committee will review your application and determine whether or not to admit you, and probably will also consider you for merit based scholarships. But usually it's a different group of people who are responsible for need-based financial aid (which the FAFSA would highlight). Many schools send admissions decisions before financial aid packages are available. So I don't think it matters so much for you right now, but it is possible that you'll receive offers of admission and have to make decisions before all of the financial information is available.

[dawn321]

Hi...I have a problem with applying for fafsa for grad school while currently in my undergraduate. I am applying to University of Denver and they requested a fafsa during application process. When I tried to apply for fafsa it did not offer new application, only changes to existing one. I called DU to question it and they said that while in undergraduate I will have to wait till that degree is done to reapply. I was worried it would affect any scholarships I would be entitled to and they said it does not affect merit ones (I make too much now for financial need). Soooo, long story short...the schools know about the fafsa drama so I would just get your app in asap and fill out fafsa when it reopens for you.

good luck all!