By The Feds
DON’T FORGET THESE IMPORTANT DEADLINES:
BEING LATE COULD COST YOU!
The Spring Semester has begun, which means that important financial aid deadlines are quickly approaching! It is necessary for all students to keep track of the dates that specific documents are due, especially the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA must be completed electronically via the Department of Education’s website: www.FAFSA.gov. The deadline for completion of the FAFSA is March 1st, 2013. FAFSA applications filed after this date will be considered late, and could have a significant effect on the amount of financial aid that you receive. So take a little stress out of your life and file the FAFSA on time- maybe even early!
Not only is the FAFSA deadline fast approaching, but the deadline for all other necessary documents is coming up too. The Financial Aid Office may require several additional documents in order to process each student’s financial aid package, such as the 2013-2014 Independent/Dependent Verification Worksheet or the Student/Parent IRS Tax Return Transcript. The deadline for all other required documents to be submitted to the Financial Aid Office is May 1st, 2013. Descriptions of these documents can be found in the Financial Aid on line system which can be accessed by clicking on the “Matrix: Students” link under the “Quick Links” tab located above the search bar on the UNH website. DO NOT LOG INTO MATRIX!!! On the left side of the page, below the login section, there will be an icon or picture as seen below. Clicking on this icon will bring you to the Financial Aid online access site. You will need your Student ID number, which is the nine digit number on the front of your Student ID card.
• If you have already logged in to NetPartner, and you remember your PIN, enter the information and hit submit.
• If you have already logged in but have forgotten your PIN, click “Forgot PIN” and follow the instructions.
• If you have never created an account, click “First Time User” and follow the instructions
Once you have logged into your Financial Aid site, you will be able to view all of the information concerning your financial aid. Familiarize yourself with the website, and check under the tab labeled “Documents” to see if you are missing any documents. This website is available 24/7 and is a way for students (and parents if you share your log in information with them!) to check the status of their financial aid, even when the office is closed.
Along with the FAFSA and other important documents, the applications for many outside scholarships are due during the Spring Semester. Outside scholarships can be very helpful to students in need of financial help, and they are often overlooked as a way to pay for college. Outside scholarships are different from those given out by the University. They are provided by outside organizations such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, professional organizations, community organizations, and more. It is important to remember the deadlines for outside scholarships. Many scholarships have a deadline between February 1st and April 30th of each year so be sure to send the applications in on time. Don’t forget to take advantage of the outside scholarship board located in the lobby of the Financial Aid Office, and be sure to mark the deadlines on your calendar!
The final significant deadline that UNH students should be concerned about is the deadlines for class registration for the Fall 2013 Semester. Late registration may result in a reduced financial aid award due to limited funding. Look for the e-mail from the Registrar’s Office that lists the dates and times for each grade level to register, and be sure to register on time or ASAP after your date!
Remember: the FAFSA is due March 1st, 2013; all other documents are due May 1st, 2013; the deadlines for many outside scholarships are quickly approaching; and register for Fall 2013 on time! If you write down and remember all of these important dates, you won’t have to stress out about your financial aid. So….Don’t Be Late!!
