Financial Aid Checklist
The following summarizes the steps necessary for your financial aid to be processed and made available to you in a timely manner. Your attention to deadlines and procedures is the best way to ensure that you receive maximum consideration for aid offered by the Washington College of Law.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the March 1 priority deadline. The application is filed at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The AU Title IV Code is 001434.
File your federal income tax return early to report actual income figures on your FAFSA. Use estimated figures if your return has not been filed.
File the Need Access Application for WCL need-based grant aid by March 1 (full-time JD students only). Apply at www.needaccess.org. Upperclassmen must also submit a tax return for the most recent tax year and a Verification/Supplemental Information Form.
Submit Student Aid Report (SAR) corrections to the FAFSA processor promptly.
Respond to requests for additional documentation promptly. Income documents are most often requested.
Accept your financial aid offer at my.american.edu.
Complete and sign the Master Promissory Note for federal loans if necessary.
Complete Loan Entrance Counseling requirements. Submit a signed copy of your Rights and Responsibilities page to the Financial Aid Office once you have successfully completed the session. This requirement applies to first-time borrowers at AU.
- Obtain a copy of your credit report and review for potential problems if you are considering supplemental loan assistance. Contact either of the following credit bureaus for information: Experian (www.experian.com), Equifax (www.equifax.com) or TransUnion (www.tuc.com).
Apply for supplemental loans by June 1 if you are a new student. Refer to "Types of Aid - Alternative Loans" of the financial aid web site for lender information. Continuing students should apply by July 1.
Organize and keep a record of all documents and correspondence related to your financial aid. Pay particular attention to notices from your lender(s).
Contact the Financial Aid Office at (202) 274-4040 if you have further questions.
