Financial Aid Timeline
September
- FAFSA Filers: Create FSA IDs at studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch.
- Verify names and numbers on Social Security cards.
- Have a realistic family “Financial Aid Talk” about college expenses.
- Use Net Price Calculators of colleges you are considering to gain idea of college costs.
October
- Complete the Oregon Promise Application (even if you don’t plan to attend community college).
- Complete the CSS Profile if required by your college or university.
- Check the financial aid websites of colleges you are applying to for college-specific scholarships.
November - December
- Complete the FAFSA or ORSAA. Applications open December 31.
- Respond to any communications you may receive from college financial aid offices.
- Research and apply for scholarships.
January - March
- Check the status of your FAFSA or ORSAA application, review your student aid report (SAR), and provide required verification, if necessary.
- Local and regional scholarship applications and information are posted here.
- Complete the OSAC application (due April 1). Several Cleveland scholarships, including the Alumni Scholarship, require the OSAC application.
April - May
- College acceptances/ financial aid packages for most four-year colleges arrive by April 1.
- Admissions (and sometimes housing) deposits are due May 1 for most schools.
- Accept your financial aid offer.
- Let colleges know if you are declining their admission offer as well.
June
- Finish strong! Colleges have been known to rescind scholarships and even admission for less than stellar senior year grades. Read your personal email through the summer for college communications, as there will be additional steps for you to take!