The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a vital step in the financial aid process for college students. The FAFSA deadline for the University of Vermont (UVM) is March 15th. This deadline is important because it determines eligibility for federal and state financial aid programs.
Why is the FAFSA Deadline Important?
Meeting the FAFSA deadline is crucial for several reasons:
- Eligibility for Financial Aid: The FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for federal student loans, grants, and work-study programs.
- Priority Consideration: Submitting the FAFSA by the deadline gives you priority consideration for limited financial aid funds.
- State Aid: Many states, including Vermont, have financial aid programs that require FAFSA submission by a specific deadline.
How to Meet the FAFSA Deadline
Filing the FAFSA can be done online at the Federal Student Aid website. To complete the FAFSA, you will need:
- Your Social Security number
- Your parents’ Social Security numbers (if you are a dependent student)
- Your financial information (income, taxes, assets)
- Your school’s Federal School Code (003527 for UVM)
What Happens if I Miss the FAFSA Deadline?
Missing the FAFSA deadline can have significant consequences:
- Loss of Financial Aid: You may lose eligibility for federal and state financial aid programs.
- Late Fees: Some schools may charge late fees for late FAFSA submissions.
- Delayed Enrollment: Your enrollment may be delayed if the school requires FAFSA information.
Tips for Meeting the UVM FAFSA Deadline
- Gather your information early: Start gathering your financial information several weeks before the deadline.
- File online: Filing the FAFSA online is the quickest and easiest way to meet the deadline.
- Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool: This tool allows you to securely import your tax information into the FAFSA, saving you time and reducing errors.
- Submit your FAFSA directly to UVM: Use the school’s Federal School Code (003527) to ensure your FAFSA is processed promptly.
- Contact the UVM Financial Aid Office: If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact the Financial Aid Office at (802) 656-3040 or [email protected].
UVM Financial Aid Statistics
- Average Financial Aid Award: $23,500
- Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid: 85%
- Number of Financial Aid Programs: Over 20
Common FAFSA Mistakes
- Using the wrong Social Security number: Double-check your Social Security number for accuracy.
- Forgetting to sign the FAFSA: Both the student and parent (if the student is a dependent) must sign the FAFSA.
- Leaving sections blank: Fill out all required sections of the FAFSA, even if you don’t have an answer.
- Submitting the FAFSA multiple times: Only submit the FAFSA once. Submitting it multiple times can cause delays and errors.
- Not using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool: Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to reduce errors and save time.
Conclusion
Meeting the UVM FAFSA deadline of March 15th is essential for securing financial aid and avoiding potential consequences. By following the tips and resources provided, you can ensure your FAFSA is submitted on time and accurately. Remember, financial aid is a valuable resource that can help you afford a college education.