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I made a really big mistake.

I thought that I had submitted my need access form a few months ago, but I hadn't heard anything for a while and got suspicious, so I went to check on it. Turns out, it hasn't been turned in. It was due on 3/1.

There is no way in hell I can afford to go to Northwestern without loans. Am I now blocked from federal loans? Please help, I'm terrified. I've tried googling it, but I'm panicking and I can't find anything.

I'm no expert on this so hopefully someone else can chime in, but I'm pretty sure you're totally fine as far as federal loans go. That doesn't have anything to do with NeedAccess, per say, in that everyone qualifies for federal loans pretty much. Need access is for need-based aid grants from schools, and in that regard you may be at a disadvantage, but you still might be OK since it appears (for NU, at least) that March 1 was only the priority deadline for need access. So just submit it like right now and maybe you'll still get something.

There's always negotiating schollies as well, too. Plus, it depends on when you were admitted. If you were admitted very recently, they don't even expect you to turn it in until after you're admitted (though they want you to ASAP afterwards).

somethingelse55 wrote:I'm no expert on this so hopefully someone else can chime in, but I'm pretty sure you're totally fine as far as federal loans go. That doesn't have anything to do with NeedAccess, per say, in that everyone qualifies for federal loans pretty much. Need access is for need-based aid grants from schools, and in that regard you may be at a disadvantage, but you still might be OK since it appears (for NU, at least) that March 1 was only the priority deadline for need access. So just submit it like right now and maybe you'll still get something.

There's always negotiating schollies as well, too. Plus, it depends on when you were admitted. If you were admitted very recently, they don't even expect you to turn it in until after you're admitted (though they want you to ASAP afterwards).

OK, that's good then. I honestly don't expect that they will be giving me anymore scholarships anyway as they've already given me $150k. I've been admitted since December, I just, I thought I did this back in January, but I guess it just didn't get submitted, but Id din't bother to check until like, just now. As long as I can still get loans, I'm OK. Thank you...and I really hope you're right...I'll be calling first thing tomorrow morning too.

Yeah just submit it tonight and call them tomorrow and let them know what happened. You'll be good. Also make sure you submitted your FAFSA though because you do need to do that for federal loans, and then the actual loans forms themselves after that (but those actual loans forms probably aren't due until May so you aren't even late on them).

somethingelse55 wrote:Yeah just submit it tonight and call them tomorrow and let them know what happened. You'll be good. Also make sure you submitted your FAFSA though because you do need to do that for federal loans, and then the actual loans forms themselves after that (but those actual loans forms probably aren't due until May so you aren't even late on them).

Luckily that one actually was submitted in January. (double checked today)and thank you.... I'm really scared about all of this....like....I'm supposed to go get an apartment in two weeks, and I thought I just wrecked my whole life.

christinanc93 wrote:

somethingelse55 wrote:Yeah just submit it tonight and call them tomorrow and let them know what happened. You'll be good. Also make sure you submitted your FAFSA though because you do need to do that for federal loans, and then the actual loans forms themselves after that (but those actual loans forms probably aren't due until May so you aren't even late on them).

Luckily that one actually was submitted in January. (double checked today)and thank you.... I'm really scared about all of this....like....I'm supposed to go get an apartment in two weeks, and I thought I just wrecked my whole life.

Definitely chill. Fafsa is what you need for federal loans. Need access is only for if you want need based scholarship (or if the school asks for it). As long as fafsa is submitted before summer or so, youll get loans.

The school does ask for it...does that make it affect them?

christinanc93 wrote:The school does ask for it...does that make it affect them?

NU Fed Loan Instructions wrote: APPLYING FOR FEDERAL LOANS ONLY
To be considered for federal loans only, please complete the following two items:
1. 2016-17 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (school code 001739)
• Available online starting January 1, 2016, for U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens.
• If you do not already have an FSA ID, you will need to set one up before completing the
FAFSA. This FSA ID will be your log-in for many Department of Education websites. • The Chicago Office of Financial Aid may contact you if additional information is
required.
2. 2016-17 University Aid Application
• Please request a copy from the Chicago Office of Financial Aid via email.

I mean, if youre gonna continue to freak out, you may as well just call in the morning.

Before my 1L year I turned in NeedAccess in June and it was all fine. The deadline is really arbitrary.

EzraFitz wrote:Before my 1L year I turned in NeedAccess in June and it was all fine. The deadline is really arbitrary.

Thank you! I'm super relieved... Will still call but maybe can sleep tonight.

Yes, I think the pool of money doesn't shrink. I think it's a matter of being notified early vs. late if you submit them late. I asked couple schools and that is what they said. It's hard to believe as to why they even have the deadline then... I haven't done mine either because I am mostly waitlisted for all my need access schools except for one.