FAFSA question

[gunsharp]

Does anyone know if there is much need-based aid granted by schools in general based on the FAFSA?

[anthrohopeful]

When I was getting my masters, I got 7K a year in need-based grant money. The rest was loans and work-study.

[adaptations]

I am a Poli Sci applicant and am hoping to receive funding. However, I am curious whether I need to submit a FAFSA before hearing from schools (UW says to submit FAFSA by Feb. 25th). Even though I have no idea where I might be going or how much money I may need, do I submit a FAFSA now to cover my tail in case I need the money next fall?

Thanks,

P.S. a link to a credible website that answers this question will suffice, or a personal response is great too.

[rising_star]

I am a Poli Sci applicant and am hoping to receive funding. However, I am curious whether I need to submit a FAFSA before hearing from schools (UW says to submit FAFSA by Feb. 25th). Even though I have no idea where I might be going or how much money I may need, do I submit a FAFSA now to cover my tail in case I need the money next fall?

Thanks,

P.S. a link to a credible website that answers this question will suffice, or a personal response is great too.

You want to submit before the school's priority deadline for financial aid. In many cases this deadline is March 1 so you'd want to go ahead and submit. You don't even have to have a filed tax return to do it! And you should submit the FAFSA to every school you've applied to that hasn't rejected you yet, just to make sure you're fully covered.