I did my fafsa (EFC-0) and enrolled in the program. Then got an email saying I needed to submit my MyPlanner so that I could get an award package. So I did. THEN I got an email saying I needed to register for the classes on my planner in order to see if I'd get a financial aid award.

Well, to register I need to pay up front, so I didn't go any further. My fear is I pay for the 3 classes and get no award!

Has anyone else gone through the Pell grant process? If so, did you need to register and pay out of pocket before you could get your award package?

Thanks in advance.

Hmm, I am not really sure because I am paying for my classes out of pocket and actually taking the exam route not the courses, I would call financial aid and ask about it, they should be able to walk you through registering for classes so you can use your rewards instead of paying out of pocket.

My efc was 0 and I was awarded pell grant to basically cover 2 classes for the summer trimester. Once I accepted my awards and registered for classes I didn't have to come out of pocket for anything because my financial aid package was automatically applied to me account.

melpenn- that's how I thought it should be! Get award- accept award. Mine was just a mess... I'm wondering if it had to do with me getting my fall 2014 award at another school.

Im doing my plan for the new school year so hopefully that goes much smoother.

Yes that could be it. But you have to call the financial aid office at excelsior to get it sorted out. I think come July they will be disbursing awards for the fall 2015/2016 school year, so as long as you Apply for that already you shouldn't have a problem for this coming fall

Thank you for your help!