Application Tips
- Remember deadlines!
State, Federal, and Concordia programs all have deadlines associated with them. Make sure you note the deadlines and meet them; priorities will be given to students who meet published deadlines.
- Save time: File Electronically!
You can fill out and submit your application through FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Electronic filing is the fastest, easiest and most accurate way to apply for financial aid. The information you enter in FAFSA on the Web will be checked on the spot, and the processor will call your attention to any errors or missing information. This reduces the chance that you will need to correct your information later. Preventing errors means Concordia University will recieve your application results sooner. By filing online, you may also be able to skip some questions based on your answers to earlier questions.
If you have a U.S. Department of Education PIN (Personal Identification Number), you can even sign FAFSA on the Web electronically. To request a PIN, visit www.pin.ed.gov. Your parents can also request and use their PINs to sign your FAFSA online. We encourage you to apply for a PIN prior to submitting your FAFSA, but if you don't the processor will automatically send you one once they have processed your application.
- Important: Read the form!
Many questions on the FAFSA are straightforward, like your Social Security Number or your date of birth. But many require you to read instructions to make sure you answer the question correctly. Words like "household," "investments" and even "parent" all have common meanings, but are specifically defined for purposes of federal student aid. So be sure to read the instructions.
- Complete your tax return.
Filling out your tax return first will make completing the FAFSA easier. However, you do not need to submit your tax return to the IRS before you submit your FAFSA. But, once you (and your parents if you are a dependent student) file your tax return, you must correct any income or tax information that changed since you filed your FAFSA. Inaccurate information on your FAFSA may delay your receipt of financial assistance. Also, you will be requred to return federal and state aid you improperly received based upon incorrect information.
-
Keep a copy.
Occasionally, things do get misplaced. If you keep a photocopy of everything you send to the IRS, the federal processing center, and the Office of Student Financial Planning, you will save yourself work in the long run.
- Use e-mail for questions.
During the busiest times in the Office of Student Financial Planning (spring and summer), electronic mail responses can be more complete and quicker. Our address is crffa@cuchicago.edu.
- Write it down.
If you have a unique or changing financial situation, write it down and send a letter to Concordia's Office of Student Financial Planning. We really do read this information. We can't always accommodate the request, but we do try as we work with federal and state regulations. Be sure to type or write legibly!
- Respond.
We try not to drag out the application process by asking for frivolous information. If we ask you for something extra, it is because we need it to comply with regulations or to clarify something in your application.
- Fill out your loan application.
Most financial aid packages contain a Federal Stafford Loan offer. Unless you have decided you do not need the loan, you will need to fill out a loan application for the first time you borrow at Concordia. The loan application is called a "Master Promissory Note (MPN)". Loan applications (MPN's) are mailed to your permanent home address. If you do not receive a MPN prior to your enrollment contact the Office of Student Financial Planning.
- Warning!
Be wary of organizations that charge a fee to submit your application, or to find you money for school. Some are legitimate and some are scams. Generally, any help you pay for you can get for free from Concordia University or the U.S. Department of Education.
- Follow through.
In the end, it is your responsibility to make sure you finish the financial aid application process. We will keep you up to date on your progress with our friendly reminders, but you must be the one to take action.
