Financial Aid Timeline for Continuing Undergraduates

Learn the steps you must take to successfully apply for financial aid, and see important deadlines and details for each step.

In the right place? This timeline is for UCSD continuing undergraduate students. Also see financial aid timelines for entering undergraduates and graduate/ professional students.

Use this timeline to keep track of important filing deadlines and other events which begin the year before each new fall quarter begins. Contact the Financial Aid Office, (858) 534-4480, for specific questions about your file.

• December

  • If you're a new financial aid applicant, request a PIN from the Department of Education so you can electronically sign your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You and your parents can both request a PIN.
  • Use the Financial Aid tool to access next year's Continuing Student Scholarships Application. With this one online application (due at the end of February), you'll automatically be considered for all merit awards, all financial need awards (if a financial aid recipient), and all restricted awards for which you check the appropriate boxes.
    • Read the Continuing Student Scholarships Guidelines (PDF) to learn more.

  • January

    You must file a renewal FAFSA before each new school year to be considered for financial aid.

    • Jan. 1: The FAFSA is available. Make sure to list UCSD school code 001317 on the application, so UCSD will receive your information.
      • Learn more about FAFSA.
    • Create a folder to keep all financial aid-related documents in one place.

  • February

    • The Department of Education notifies you that your application was processed and provides you with a Student Aid Report (SAR).
      • Review the SAR for accuracy and make sure UCSD school code 001317 is listed.
      • If necessary, correct your FAFSA online.
    • UCSD continuing scholarships application deadline, February 29, 11:30 p.m.: Complete and submit your application online using the Financial Aid tool.
    • If you're interested, read about undergraduate research scholarships or check the Financial Aid Office lobby for next academic year's application. You may submit a new application each year.
    • In addition to UCSD scholarships, you may qualify for national competitive scholarships and outside agency scholarships. Review these lists often for new entries, and add the scholarship deadline dates to your personal calendar. Carefully follow the instructions listed for each scholarship.

  • March

    • FAFSA deadline, March 2, midnight Central Daylight Time: Submit your FAFSA online to be considered for priority financial aid.
      • If you're mailing your FAFSA, make sure it's postmarked by March 2.
      • If you file after the March 2 deadline, you'll be considered only for federal Stafford Loans, renewal Cal Grant, Pell Grant, and ACG/ SMART grants.
    • Cal Grant GPA verification deadline, March 2: If you don't currently have a California State Grant (Cal Grant), mail the Cal Grant GPA Verification to the California Student Aid Commission to be considered for one.
      • Learn more about grants.

  • April

    • Mid-April: After you and/or your parents file your federal income tax returns, correct any estimated information provided on your FAFSA.
    • If your Student Aid Report indicates you've been selected for verification: Complete the requested independent or dependent verification worksheet and submit it to the Financial Aid Office along with your and/or your parents' federal income tax returns.
    • Check your ucsd.edu e-mail inbox often for important communications from the Financial Aid Office. These messages may include requests for additional information to complete your application or to view and accept your official financial aid awards.
    • Access your financial aid status and official financial aid awards using the Financial Aid tool.
    • Research scholarships application deadline, April 6, 4:30 p.m.: Complete and submit the Undergraduate Research Scholarship Application (PDF) in time to be considered for research scholarships next year.

  • May

    • Additional documents deadline, May 1: Submit any additional documents requested or you may not qualify for the best financial aid awards available. This includes (but isn't limited to) verifications, tax returns, and FAFSA processing follow-up.
    • Continue to check your ucsd.edu e-mail inbox often for important communications from the Financial Aid Office.
    • Summer Session deadline, May 15: Apply for Summer Session financial aid if you'll be attending classes this summer.

  • June

    • Log into the Financial Aid tool for notification of UCSD scholarship awards. You'll be notified of your scholarship status by June 1.
    • Begin saving money for expenses you'll need to pay before you receive your fall quarter financial aid.

  • July

    • If you've accepted a new Stafford Loan, Perkins Loan, and/ or a Parent PLUS loan: Complete separate promissory notes for each new program.
    • If you've accepted a new Stafford Loan and/or Perkins Loan:
      • Complete the required online loan counseling.
      • Learn more about loans.
    • Continue to review national competitive scholarships and outside agency scholarships so you can apply in time for any of the scholarships you qualify for (many require references, essays, and application forms, so you'll need time to get everything together). Follow the application instructions required by each separate scholarship sponsor.

  • August

    • Make sure you enroll in the minimum number of units for the quarter (see undergraduate enrollment requirements).
    • After you've enrolled in classes and have completed the Financial Aid Award acceptance using the Financial Aid tool, your financial aid awards will be credited to your student account.
      • Learn more about how financial aid funds are paid to you.

  • September

    • Enroll in direct deposit by the first week of September to ensure that, after university charges have been paid, any remaining award funds will be deposited directly into your bank account.
  Questions? Contact the Financial Aid Office, (858) 534-4480.