Step 1. Internet Filers - Aquire a Personal Identification Number If you do not have one.

If you do not have a PIN, apply for one before completing FAFSA on the Web. Both students and parents of dependent students should obtain a PIN. Apply at www.pin.ed.gov.  Allow 3 to 10 days for receipt. Your PIN must be activated with each award year at www.pin.ed.gov 

The U.S. Department of Education will send you a PIN once you have submitted your FAFSA. Save your PIN.  If you are dependent, your parent should also apply for a PIN.  You can use it to: 

• Electronically “sign” your FAFSA on the Web. It serves as student and parent signature.
• Check the status of your application.
• Complete your FAFSA application through the Internet.
• Inquire about student loan information through the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).
• Obtain/access your Renewal FAFSA in future years.
• Obtain application results more quickly.

Step 2. Complete the FAFSA on the Web Application Worksheet and FAFSA on the Web.

The FAFSA is available from:

• Internet using FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Complete the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet before beginning to enter your information.
• Campus Student Services Center or Financial Aid Office
• College Financial Aid Office at (703) 323-3199

If you use the paper version, mail your completed/signed application to the Federal Processing Center in the envelope provided with the application. The paper form may be obtained from your Campus Student Services Center.

If you use the Web version, use your PIN to electronically “sign” your application.  If you are dependent, your parent (s) must electronically “sign,” too, using their PIN.  If you do not have a PIN, be sure to print, sign, and mail the signature page to the Federal Processing Center. Complete the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet in preparation for filing FAFSA on the web.

Be sure to include NVCC’s Federal School Code (003727) on Step Six of the FAFSA.

NVCC’s Priority Deadlines for 2005 - 2006 Aid Year are:

March 1, 2005     New and Returning Students
October 1, 2005  Spring Semester—New Students
April 1, 2006*      Summer Session Application
                         *(NVCC Summer Aid Application required)
April 15, 2006      Loan Request Deadline

NVCC’s Priority Deadlines for 2006 - 2007 Aid Year are:

March 1, 2006     New and Returning Students
October 1, 2006  Spring Semester—New Students
April 1, 2007*      Summer Session Application
                          *(NVCC Summer Aid Application required)
April 15, 2007      Loan Request Deadline

Step 3. Declare a Major in an eligible degree or certificate program.

A federal requirement for financial aid states that you must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible degree or certificate program. See a counselor to declare a major (academic plan) and have it officially recorded. Eligible programs are found on the College’s website at www.nvcc.edu/finance.

Step 4. Verify the information printed on your Student Aid Report (SAR).

Approximately 1-4 weeks after you submit your FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the Department of Education.If you filed over the Internet, you will receive this information electronically. You may also review this information at www.fafsa.ed.gov after submiting your FAFSA on the Web.

• Read your SAR carefully to check for accuracy.
• Edit any incorrect information, such as estimated income information.
• Make sure NVCC (003727) has been listed so your information can be released to us.
• If NVCC is not listed, you should call the Department of Education at 1-800-433-3243, resubmit your SAR via US mail, or add the Federal School Code online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  Be sure to have your SAR available if you call.
• NVCC’s Federal School Code is 003727.

Step 5. Check on the status of your application.

• The College Financial Aid Office electronically receives your financial aid information (SAR) and a financial aid advisor reviews your request for financial aid.
• You may check the status of your application online at www.nvcc.edu. Check via NovaConnect, the student information system at SA Self Service > Learner Services > My Financial Aid Award 2007. If no award appears, review your To Do List under SA Self Service > Personal Portfolio > Tasks > To Do List.
• Allow time for your application to be reviewed
• Verify that you released your data to NVCC
• Remember, an application is considered complete when all of the applicant items have been received.

Step 6. Respond to requests for additional information promptly.

• Additional information or documentation may be needed to complete your application.
• Respond to all requests as quickly as possible.
• Submit information via US mail or the College Financial Aid Drop Box or to your Campus Financial Aid Office..

Step 7. Review your award letter.

• You will receive an award letter informing you of the type(s) and amount(s) of assistance you are eligible to receive.
• Retain your award letter for reference.
• You may also verify your awards online atwww.nvcc.vccs.edu via NovaConnect. Check under SA Self Service > Learner Services > Finances > Account Summary.

Step 8. Enroll for your classes.

• Review the schedule of Classes and select the classes you need to take.
• Enroll for your classes using the NovaConnect Web-Based Registration or Telephone Registration System.
• Indicate that Financial Aid is your method of payment using the NovaConnect Telephone Registration (Use this option ONLY if you have received an Official Financial Aid Notification from the College Financial Aid Office)
• Do not assume that having completed a FAFSA or that receiving a SAR will automatically qualify you for financial aid.
• Financial aid funds may be used to buy textbooks and other supplies based on the printed schedule.

Caution: After you receive an official Financial Aid Notification (excluding Work-Study awards), your class enrollments will be maintained up to the credits fully covered by financial aid and other payments. If you decide to drop classes, you must do so at the Admissions and Records Office or by NovaConnect. Unless you drop classes, you may be held financially responsible for your institutional charges (tuition and fees).

Step 9. Verify your mailing address.

• Your residual balance (refund) checks are mailed to the mailing address you have on record at the College.
• If you have a change of address, contact the Admissions and Records Office, or update your mailing address via NovaConnect.
• If you made a credit card payment, refunds may be made to your credit card.

Step 10. Cash or deposit your checks.

• Residual checks of financial aid balances will be mailed approximately 3 weeks after classes begin.
• Deposit checks into your bank account as soon as you receive them.
• Uncashed checks are CANCELED after 60 days.
• Verify that your refund has been generated by visiting NovaConnect.