Deadlines

The time you spend in college might be the most deadline-heavy time of your life. Your homework and exams have a due date, and study groups will have their own schedule. Beyond the classroom, educational deadlines for financial aid should be top priorities in your busy schedule.

Do the Research
You might not always get a letter or reminder email about reapplying for a grant or repaying a loan. And, just like a car or home loan, failing to make payments on your student loan can affect your credit, making it harder to obtain credit in the future. Keep track of deadlines and stay in touch with the financial aid office for more information.

Supersize Your Calendar
It's hard to keep track of loose forms and schedules, day planners, and important emails. You may want to simplify your life by having a large desktop calendar in a place where you'll see it every morning--the kitchen wall or next to the door. Financial aid deadlines can be the most important and yet the easiest to forget. Writing them on a calendar, however, makes it more likely you'll keep on top of them.

Get Some Help
Your college has a financial aid office that's just a phone call or email away. They already have your financial aid information and can help you stay apprised of deadlines. Keep them on your contact list.

Make the Dates
Get ready for these big financial aid deadlines:

• FAFSA on the Web: Late June
• FAFSA Corrections: Mid-September
• State Financial Aid: Varies - check with the financial aid office
• Income Tax Return: Mid-April (may be requested to confirm information on your aid application)

Once you get organized, you can go the rest of the year without worrying about the deadlines for your financial aid.