What to Do When FAFSA's Done
Submitting the FAFSA is an important step. Once the form is submitted, many students wonder what comes next. While every situation is different, there are a few steps that may help you stay prepared.
Check Your FAFSA Status
After submitting the FAFSA, review your account and make sure the form was processed. You may also receive emails or messages about your FAFSA. In some cases, you may be asked to review information or take additional steps.
Watch for Additional Requirements
Some schools may ask for additional information before they finalize financial aid. If a school contacts you, read the instructions carefully. Responding as soon as possible may help prevent delays. Students may also benefit from reviewing common FAFSA mistakes to help avoid issues during the financial aid process.
Review Your Financial Aid Offers
Schools that receive your FAFSA information may send financial aid offers.
These offers may include:
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Work-study
- Federal student loans
Take time to review each offer. Types of aid can vary from one school to another. Be sure to regularly check your school email account, as many colleges use it to share important financial aid updates and next steps.
Compare Your Options
If you are considering more than one school, compare the costs and financial aid offers. Looking at award letters side by side may help you understand how grants, scholarships, work-study, and student loans differ from one school to another. Looking at these costs together may help you better understand your options.
The Bottom Line
Submitting the FAFSA is an important step, but it is not always the last step. Checking your FAFSA status, reviewing financial aid offers, and responding to requests from schools may help you stay prepared for the next part of the financial aid process. For many students, the FAFSA is an annual task, so keeping important records organized throughout the year may make future FAFSA submissions easier. Students may also want to watch for FAFSA announcements each fall, as the FAFSA has traditionally opened around October 1, although opening dates can change.
