FAFSA- before or after acceptance?

Nursing Students Post Graduate

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When do I submit my FAFSA application? I have been accepted to one graduate program already, but I am still waiting on 2 more.....

Is there anything else that needs to be done in order for the schools to send financial aid packages?

Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

I fill mine out every year the day I get my taxes done.

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Don't you have to have your taxes filled out to file the fafsa?

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Mine are already filed.

Cheryl

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Specializes in Neuro.
donna64 said:
Don't you have to have your taxes filled out to file the fafsa?

Nope!

You can fill out the fafsa and simply check "I will file" and give estimates (I usually just pull out my last paystub to get an idea). Then when your taxes are done, file a revision (which can be done online) and fill in the blanks. The important thing is to turn it in, even if it has guesswork in it the first go-around.

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Specializes in ED, Pedi Vasc access, Paramedic serving 6 towns.

Like all the others say do it now. You have to do it online and it takes a few days to even get a password to get into the system...

Swtooth

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Specializes in HCA, Physch, WC, Management.

I just got an email from FAFSA to fill mine out so I did it yesterday. You need to have filed or figured your taxes for last year before you fill it out, though. Or at least I think you need your W2s if you worked. Do it soon!!!

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Yes I want to do my taxes first!! still waiting on that other w-2

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I'm not sure if this is really the appropriate place to ask this question, considering that this is a question that applies to all colleges and not just nursing school. When do I start filling out a FAFSA? Do I do it now or do I have to wait until I have been accepted into a program/college? Thanks in advance everyone.

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The FAFSA is tied to the school year. For example, I completed my FAFSA a couple of weeks ago and it was for the 2009-2010 school year (my program starts in August). The soonest I could have done the FAFSA for this particular school year was January 1, but since you need tax information to complete it, I waited until I had completed my taxes. I think the priority filing deadline is March 31, but most schools would like it done sooner (my school wanted it completed by Feb. 15).

Probably the best thing to do is to speak to the financial aid offices at the schools you are interested in, and ask them when you need to do it...they will tell you their priority deadlines and will give you their school codes so you can put that information in the FAFSA when you do file.

If you won't be needing financial aid during the next school year, then you don't need to complete the FAFSA for this year.

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The above information is correct. I have something to add. If you have never filled out the FAFSA before there is good news. It can all be done online and is fairly easy. Also, you can save information and come back to it later if you have to gather more information. Most of the questions can be answered directly from your taxes. If you haven't already filed your taxes, do so, because you need it. And every year after that filling out your FAFSA gets easier and faster. It took me about 15 minutes this year as opposed to about an hour last year.

Depending on your school you can get financial aid whether or not you are in a nursing program. I am not in a nursing program yet and I got financial aid. All you have to do is be enrolled in a general studies program.

Good luck.

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Do it as soon as you get your tax information back so if you have it now do it now. There are 10 spots I think for colleges for people that don't know where they are going yet. Most schools require you to have applied for FAFSA before mid-march regardless of whether you've been accepted yet or not.

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Hi everyone!

I'm wondering if anyone can help me out with this

I finished my first undergrad degree last year. I received grants and loan offers but didn't need to take out any loans. I will be starting my accelerated BSN program in the fall. My SAR tells me that I won't be getting any Pell Grants, which I expected, but it doesn't mention any loan offers. I submitted corrections and there was still no mention. Is there something I'm missing? I haven't gotten anything in the mail either. I'm fairly certain I should have a few thousand in govt. loans available.

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