It's that time again...file your FAFSA today!

Now that the spring semester is underway, don't let too much time get away before you apply for financial aid for the 2012-2013 year. UMM's priority funding deadline is March 1st. We encourage all of our students to visit www.fafsa.gov and submit the FAFSA for the next academic year.

NEW THIS YEAR -- IRS Data Retrieval!

You will need your tax information and your parents tax information from 2011 to complete the FAFSA. This year we encourage you to sign on to www.fafsa.gov and retrieve your IRS tax information directly from the IRS! Your tax information will be available for retrieval 1 - 2 weeks after you file your taxes electronically, or 4 - 6 weeks after you file your taxes on paper. If you haven't filed your taxes yet, don't let that stop you! Complete the FAFSA using estimated tax information. When you have completed your taxes then sign back on and retrieve your tax information directly from the IRS.

Why is filing my FAFSA early so important?
UMM has a limited amount of financial aid to award students, and when it's gone, it's gone! Students who apply early maximize their eligibility for financial aid.
 
I've filed my FAFSA, now what?
The most important thing you can do is be looking for any additional requests for information either from the federal processing center, or from UMM. Sometimes our office is required to verify certain information you've submitted on your FAFSA. Don't worry - this doesn't mean you've done something wrong! The best thing you can do is provide us with the documentation we're asking for as soon as you can. This will ensure that our office is able to continue processing your financial aid application in a timely manner.
 
How do I know if everything is 'okay' with my FAFSA?
When you complete your FAFSA, you should receive a confirmation email from the federal processing center. This email will be sent to the email address you provided while filling out the FAFSA. Keep this email! Also, be looking for requests for information from our office which will appear on your 'to-do' list in your Student Center in MaineStreet.
 
How will I be contacted by the Financial Aid Office if there is something I need to do?
Excellent question! This might be the most important piece of information you'll ever receive from our office...are you ready for it? We send paper mail to the address you provide in MaineStreet, or send email to your 'maine.edu' email address. Always make sure your mailing address is current, and you are checking your email regularly!
 
What if I have questions about the FAFSA, or financial aid in general?
First, try visiting the financial aid page on the UMM website here:
http://machias.edu/financial-aid.html
If you still need help, feel free to contact our office at 255-1203, or by emailing us at ummfinancialaid@maine.edu. We're happy to help!

 

 

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