Financial Aid Timeline: A Fall Semester Guide for Seniors
Financial aid is all about timing, and the earlier you start, the smoother it goes. By putting in the work early in the year, you’ll open the door to more opportunities and more support for your college journey!
September: Start Strong
- Apply for Oklahoma’s Promise – This application opens each fall, and typically, seniors must submit their application by December 31. (8th–11th graders are encouraged to apply by June 30.)
- Scholarship Search – Gather scholarship opportunities and mark due dates on your calendar. Many deadlines are closer than you think! Start your scholarship search here:
- Prep Your Documents for FAFSA – Prepare to apply for the FAFSA on October 1 by gathering the necessary paperwork and information including: Social Security numbers, tax returns and W-2s. (FAFSA questions? See OKcollegestart’s FAFSA FAQs.)
October: FAFSA
- File your FAFSA –
- The FAFSA typically opens October 1 and closes June 30 of the following year.
- Apply as soon as possible, as many grants and aid programs are first-come, first-serve.
- Double-check if your colleges have priority deadlines (these may fall earlier than the federal deadline).
November-December: Double-Check & Submit
- Make sure your FAFSA has been submitted.
- Confirm your Oklahoma’s Promise application is filed before the December 31 senior deadline.
- Submit any college-specific financial aid forms required by your school(s).
- Keep working on scholarship applications as many have end-of-year deadlines.
Staying on Track for Financial Aid
At the end of the day, financial aid is about being proactive, and applying early almost always boosts your chances for maximum aid.
Want some help staying on track? Your Site Director is in your high school and ready to be your hands-on partner for all things financial aid and college prep.
Have questions?
Need support?
Want to talk something through?
We’re here to guide you, listen to you and make sure you have what you need to stay on track. Reach out to your Site Director today to get started. You can also get a jump start by listening to Ep. 5 of our Higher Ed Hacks podcast all about Financial Planning!
Keep in Mind: After Financial Aid is Awarded
Once your financial aid is awarded, there are a few steps before the money reaches your account. First comes processing, when your FAFSA and applications are reviewed. Then comes disbursement, when funds go directly to your school to cover tuition and fees, with leftover money refunded to you. Even after that, aid can possibly require corrections or adjustments if your information changes like dropping a class, receiving a new scholarship or updating family income. Stay in touch with your financial aid office so there are no surprises!