Classes are starting and all you procarstinators are struggling to fund this semester.

We’re getting a lot of calls from people trying to apply from the Stafford Loan, and there’s one thing that they simply don’t want to believe – the school awards you the Stafford Loan.  The Customer Service Representatives are telling the truth – they’e not just trying to get you off the phone.  There is NOTHING they can do to help you if you have not been awarded the loan.

You will not get a Stafford Loan unless your school has already awarded it to you.  Sure, you can fill out an online application, but nothing will happen.

A Stafford Loan is not like a car loan or mortagage or private education loan.  You cannot simply fill out the application and expect to get approved.  There are 2 VERY important steps first:

1. Fill out the FAFSA – it’s simple.  No FAFSA, no Stafford Loan.  Period.  End of story.  It’s the law.
2.  Your school will award you the money and inform you in your award letter in the spring.   If they don’t award it to you, then you won’t get it.  I reiterate – Period.  End of story.  It’s the law.

There are a few exceptions to #2 – for example if your parent or guardian loses a job or is no longer able to work;  if your parent or guardian is denied for a Parent PLUS Loan.  In these cases, you can file an appeal with your Financial Aid Office and document your new circumstances.  But you MUST have filed the FAFSA.