You’ve Completed the FAFSA. Now What?

Congratulations! You’ve completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submitted it for processing, so now you’re wondering what happens next. Here are a few suggestions for what you can do while waiting to hear from the colleges to which you sent your FAFSA.

Apply for Scholarships:

While you’re waiting for correspondence regarding your FAFSA, you should apply for as many scholarships as possible. Visit UCanGo2.org to find a list of available scholarships sorted by deadline and category. We recommend that seniors apply for two to three scholarships a week.

OKcollegestart.org also offers a database of over 20,000 scholarships. Students can set up a profile and provide answers to numerous questions that will narrow down the results to scholarships that you’re eligible to apply for. Check it out now!

Check your Admission Status:

Make sure to visit with the admission office at the colleges to which you’ve applied and ask about your current admission status. Even if you’ve already been accepted, the college may request additional information or have important next steps for you to complete. We recommend you keep in contact with the college’s Admission office consistently to guarantee you don’t miss any deadlines or requirements.

Look at Housing Options:

When you decide which college you’ll attend, you’ll need somewhere to live. Make sure to review the requirements of your college of choice. Are freshmen required to live on campus? Once you know the answer to this question, look at your housing options and the prices that are associated with them. Will it be more cost effective to live in a community style dorm or an off-campus apartment? Is the college close enough for you to live at home? It’s important to look at all your options.

Explore Majors and Careers: If you’re  undecided on a major or career choice, take this time to explore the options available at each of your favorite colleges. OKcollegestart.org provides a variety of resources that you can use to explore majors and career paths. The admission office at your college can also connect you with specific departments on campus to answer any  questions you may have about careers and majors offered.