Deadlines important for student aid
Campus Times
February 27, 1998
Financial aid deadlines are fast approaching. What this means is that
students need to get their acts together and complete all the necessary
applications, dot the "i"s and cross the "t"s, and sign
on the dotted line. This time of year can be very hectic for students, so,
to cut back on the confusion, this is what needs to be done:
The Federal Application for Free Student Aid (FAFSA), the University
of La Verne named scholarship applications and the financial aid data sheet
are the most important forms for ULV students.
The deadline for most financial aid is March 2, which is this coming
Monday, so time is of the essence. Both the FAFSA and the named scholarship
applications are due on this day along with the gpa verification form for
the Cal Grant.
The FAFSA application applies for both federal and state aid, although
the March 2 deadline really only refers to applicants applying for state
aid. If this deadline is missed, there will not be a second chance to apply
for this funding. The Cal Grant requires an additional form, a GPA Verification
form that is available in the Office of the Registrar. When mailing this,
it is suggested that a certificate of mailing is purchased, in case of slow,
misplaced or mismanaged mail.
Applicants who are applying for federal aid, such as Pell Grants, Work
Study, Perkins Loans and Stafford Loans, can turn in their applications
by June 30, and aid will be issued on a first come, first served basis.
It is recommended however, that students meet the March 2 deadline so that
the ULV Financial Aid Office can present students with a preliminary award
letter before students leave for summer vacation. The FAFSA needs to be
in before ULV's financial aid will be submitted.
As far as ULV aid goes, students need to fill out the data sheet. It
is a one-sided form that will take about five minutes. This form allows
the Financial Aid Office to award the ULV Grants, President's Scholarships
and other forms of University Aid.
Once that is finished, complete the named scholarship form. There are
more than 50 need-based scholarships, ranging from $50 to full tuition.
These are only offered to traditional-age Central Campus undergraduates.
Applicants will be awarded the scholarships based on academics, financial
need and the quality of their application and autobiographical essay. So,
to increase chances of being awarded, print clearly and run spell check
on that one-page typed essay.
Before you submit everything to the proper persons and places, check
for accuracy and completeness, make sure nothing was forgotten. It is also
suggested that copies of all submitted forms are made for personal records.
Keep in mind that it is very important to read all mail thoroughly.
This helps to ensure that response to necessary deadlines is met with ample
time.
So, bottom line, this is important information and can determine students'
fates if not taken seriously. Spend the weekend and complete the forms.
Do not screw around, get it done. An education hangs in the balance.
