LOST???

Here's the Financial Aid Calendar You Need.

Yes, the financial aid process is complicated, but you are taking significant steps toward getting the most money available to you.   Whether you are a continuing student, an adult learner returning to college, or a high school senior; our monthly guide to the financial aid process puts you on the right track.   The sooner you get started, the better your chances to maximize the amount you receive.  You’re in the right place to start turning panic into productivity!   Note: this calendar presumes Fall is the starting semester.

Click here to download a printer friendly version of this calendar.

September to November

• Begin researching private scholarships for next year.  Use the library and the internet.   www.fastweb.com is a good place to start.
• Visit the Reynolds financial aid website.  We are two clicks from the home page.  Start at www.reynolds.edu; click on Student Resources, then click on Financial Aid Office.
• High School seniors prepare and take the SAT, have scores sent to J.S. Reynolds.
• Continuing students meet with advisors to plan Spring courses.

 December

• Obtain or re-establish your PIN www.pin.ed.gov so you can do the FAFSA on the web next month.
• Submit private scholarship applications to the donors (most have Jan-Feb deadlines)

January to Mid-February

• File the FAFSA www.fafsa.ed.gov  as soon as possible after January 1 as you can (your family's tax returns must be completed in order to do so). The sooner you submit these forms, the more likely you are to have your aid processed in time for Fall classes.
• New or Transfer students, apply to the college and schedule your placement tests.  High school seniors ensure the college has a copy of SAT scores.
• Apply for Reynolds Foundation Scholarships.
• Spring classes begin in early January.

Mid-February to March

• If you haven't completed the FAFSA do it immediately.
• Learn about the Federal loan process.  Visit our Student Loan website.
• Summer Financial Aid applications are due (use previous year FAFSA.)
• Log into Reynolds Online and check on your aid status.  Look for any to-do lists and information requests.
• Contact the Access Center Financial Aid specialists if you have not yet heard from us.
• March 31, Foundation Scholarship Deadline.

April to June

• If you haven't completed the FAFSA and applied to the college, do it immediately, time is running out.
• Log into Reynolds Online and check on your aid status.  
• Start setting aside money for books/supplies approx $100 per class.
• Provide all missing information by June 15.
• Review your aid awards to ensure you have enough to cover your costs.
• Submit loan request packets and complete Loan Entrance Counseling.
• Meet with advisors or counselors to plan Fall courses.
• Summer awards (for those who applied & have eligibility) are out.
• Summer advising and registration.

July to August  

• Deadline for Loan Applications is July 15.
• New students attend one of the college Orientation Sessions.
• Fall Registration begins, register for classes.  Financial aid awards will hold your classes.
• If you haven't completed the FAFSA, and plan to attend in the Fall, be prepared to pay using personal funds.
• Purchase books and supplies.
• Classes start the end of August.

Planning + Follow up = Success

 Paying for college requires a certain amount of advance planning whether you are paying for classes from your own savings, using your credit card, or relying on financial aid to pay for everything.    

Hints and Tips:  

• Do the FAFSA every year on or before April 15.
• We have additional final deadlines for loans, check our website for more information.
• Get to know us!  Find out the names of the Financial Aid specialists on your campus.  We are your partners in this process and want to help you.
• Take notes from your in-person or phone conversations.
• Well prepared students start the financial aid process 8 – 12 months in advance of their first day of classes.
• Follow up with the financial aid office within a month of submitting the FAFSA.
• Do FAFSA on the web.  It does error checking and the results come to the college within THREE days. 
• Review our website, it is full of useful information. 
• Make a Financial Aid folder, and keep all letters, copies of taxes, and notes in the folder.  
• Balance work, family and school.  Select a realistic course load.  Financial Aid cannot replace all of your lost income if you quit working to go back to school.  Plan ahead.