Frequently Asked Questions - US and Canadian Citizens / Eligible Permanent Residents
2008-2009 Upperclass Financial Aid Application
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Click on a question below to reveal the answer.
If your question is not addressed, please call us at (617) 495-1581. |
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FAFSA Questions
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What is Harvard's Federal School Code?
Our Federal School Code is E00468.
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I'm a Canadian citizen, do I have to file a FAFSA?
No, only US Citizens and Eligible Permanent Residents should file the FAFSA.
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What should I do if I make a mistake on the FAFSA?
You may log back in to the FAFSA website, change the erroneous information, and resubmit the FAFSA.
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Should I complete the FAFSA even if my family has not yet filed our 2007 tax returns?
If you did not receive a Pell Grant in your 2007-2008 aid package, you may use estimates to complete the FAFSA. If you did receive a Pell Grant in your 2007-2008 aid package, you should use actual 2007 tax return data. Please refer to your 2007-2008 award letter if you are uncertain whether or not you received a Pell Grant last year.
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How will I know that the FAFSA has been submitted correctly?
You can check the status of your FAFSA here. Please allow one week for processing an online signature, and three weeks for processing a paper signature page.
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PROFILE Questions
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What is Harvard's CSS code?
Our CSS code is 3434.
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What should I do if I make a mistake on the PROFILE?
You may print a copy of your PROFILE data, make corrections on the printout, and send it directly to our office.
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Should I complete the PROFILE even if my family has not yet filed our 2007 tax returns?
Yes. You and your parents should use the income information on your W-2 forms or paycheck stubs to estimate the figures that will appear on your 2007 tax returns. Such estimates are perfectly acceptable for all students. Do not delay filing the PROFILE past March 21st, 2008.
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How will I know that the PROFILE has been submitted correctly?
You will receive an email confirmation from the CSS after the PROFILE has been submitted. You will also receive an IDOC cover sheet.
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Tax Return Questions
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What should I do if my parents or I will not be filing federal taxes for 2007?
Each non-filer must print and complete a federal tax non-filer statement, and submit it to IDOC with the rest of your application materials.
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What should I do if my parents or I will be requesting an extension for filing their 2007 federal taxes?
Please send a copy of the IRS extension application to IDOC with the rest of your application materials. Please note that we will be unable to calculate your financial aid award until we receive the actual 2007 tax return.
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Can I send my tax returns directly to you?
No, you must send your tax returns and all other forms to IDOC with the cover sheet they supply.
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IDOC Questions
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How will I know that my IDOC materials have been submitted correctly?
Sign in here and click "IDOC Status." Please allow five business days for processing.
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I lost my IDOC Cover Sheet. Can I get a new one?
Yes. Sign in here and click "Copy of Cover Sheet."
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General Questions
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What if I am interested only in applying for federal loans? (Stafford and PLUS)
If you do not intend to apply for need-based grant aid from Harvard but do want to apply for a Federal student or parent loan, please submit the FAFSA. Once we receive your FAFSA information electronically from the Department of Education, our office will notify you of your loan eligibility.
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Do I need to apply for a state scholarship?
Yes, if you are a resident of CT, VT, or DC, you must submit the supplemental state grant application to the appropriate agency. Students who are eligible for state grant funds but fail to follow the procedures and deadlines set by their state grant programs will not receive additional Harvard financial aid to cover lost funding.
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What should I do if I am planning to Study Abroad for academic credit for part or all of next year?
Please contact or make an appointment with your class officer in the Financial Aid Office to determine your budget and arrange for the transfer of aid to the school you will be attending. Instructions and deadlines are here.
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What should I do if I am returning from a leave of absence?
The same instructions and deadlines apply, regardless of whether you intend to return in the fall or spring semester. Make sure that you are current with loan repayments and that you file the necessary deferment or forbearance forms when you register. You may want to check the status of your federal student loans by accessing the Direct Lending website, and your Harvard Loans by calling the Student Loan Office at (617) 495-3782. In addition, your term bill from previous semesters must be paid in full.
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How will I know if my financial aid application is incomplete?
In the second week of May, we will email students whose financial aid applications are incomplete; further emails will be sent periodically throughout the summer. If you have received neither a financial aid award nor an email indicating that your application is incomplete by July 1, call the Financial Aid Office to check on your application. |
When will I find out about my financial aid award?
If you complete your financial aid application by April 17, your award letter will be sent to your permanent home address in late June or early July. Award letters for students who complete their applications after the deadline will be mailed during the remainder of the summer.
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What should I do if my permanent address changes?
Please call us at 617-495-1581 and inform us of your new address. You will also need to file a change of address with the Student Data Office in the Registrar’s Office; call 617-495-4655 for instructions.
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