Step 1 - First-time Aid Applicants
All first-time applicants must apply for a PIN number which serves as your signature when you file the FAFSA online. You can apply anytime and expect your PIN to arrive by mail in about two weeks, or you can provide an e-mail address and expect the PIN number in about three days.
STEP 2 - All Aid Applicants
Priority deadline: April 15, 2012 Applications received after this date will be processed, but applicants may not have full consideration for Wheaton Grant funds.
You must re-apply each year that you are interested in receiving financial aid.
File the FAFSA for 2012-2013. The FAFSA is available as soon as January 1, 2012, but we suggest you file your 2011 tax return first, wait two weeks to give the IRS time to process your return, and then complete the FAFSA. On the FAFSA, if you are eligible, you can then choose to have your IRS tax information retrieved electronically from the IRS. Be sure to list Wheaton College using FAFSA code 001781.
Changes for 2012-2013: Please read the changes for the IRS Data Retrieval and Verification Process (PDF) implemented by the Department of Education for 2012-2013.
STEP 3 - Selected Aid Applicants
Submit verification documents if requested. Any documents submitted must include your full name.
After filing the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the federal processor, listing the information you provided. If you provided an e-mail address on the FAFSA, you will receive a link to your SAR via e-mail. Otherwise you will receive your SAR through the mail. Review this information carefully. If corrections need to be made, go to www.fafsa.gov or use Part 2 of the paper SAR to correct the information and send the signed SAR directly to the federal processor.
If the SAR indicates that you are selected for "verification," or if the Financial Aid Office notifies you that you have been selected for verification, you will be notified as to any additional documents needed.
Step 4 - All Aid Applicants
Respond to your award offer on myWheaton. Your award will be posted as soon as it is processed. Once it is posted, you will need to respond to your award and possibly complete additional requirements for loans. See Accepting Awards Instructions (pdf) for details.
Right of Appeal - Continuing Students
If you receive a financial aid award and feel that the determination of financial need is not sufficient, you may be able to appeal the decision. To initiate such a process, contact your financial aid counselor to discuss your situation. Your counselor will determine whether options for additional aid consideration are available. You may be asked to provide supporting documentation. Appeals regarding the determination of financial need must contain new or additional facts not considered at the time need was determined.