Financial Aid Timeline for Entering Undergraduates

See important deadlines and details for each step in the financial aid process.

In the right place? This timeline is for UCSD entering freshmen and transfer students. You can also see financial aid timelines for continuing undergraduatesand graduate/ professional students.

The financial aid process begins as soon as you apply to UCSD. Use this timeline to keep track of important filing deadlines and other events during the year before you enter UCSD. Contact the Financial Aid Office, (858) 534-4480, for specific questions about your file.

• November

  • Nov. 1-30: File the University of California Admission and Scholarship Application for the next academic year, which begins the following September.
  • You'll automatically be considered for any UCSD freshman scholarships or UCSD transfer scholarships when you apply for admission.
  • You may also qualify for outside agency scholarships. Review these lists, follow the application instructions for each scholarship, and add all deadlines to your personal calendar.

• December

  • 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.

• January

  • 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.

• 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 only be considered for Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans, renewal Cal Grant, Pell Grant and ACG/SMART grants. 
  • Cal Grant GPA verification deadline, March 2: Mail the Cal Grant GPA Verification to the California Student Aid Commission to be considered for the California State Grant (Cal Grant). Make sure it's postmarked by March 2.
    • Learn more about grants.
  • If you listed UCSD on your FAFSA and you've been admitted to UCSD, your UCSD Preliminary Financial Aid Award will be available online throughMyApplication. Your official award will be available in late spring, after you've submitted your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR).
  • Admitted freshmen: Log onto the Financial Aid tool for notification of UCSD scholarship awards. If you're a recipient, you'll be notified by March 31.

• 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.
  • Set up your UCSD e-mail account as soon as possible, and check your e-mail in-box 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.

• May

  • SIR deadline for admitted freshmen, May 1: Accept admission to UCSD by submitting your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR).
    • After your SIR is received, you can access your financial aid status and official financial aid awards using the Financial Aid tool.
  • Additional documents deadline, May 1: Check the Financial Aid tool for additional documents required. Submit any additional documents by the deadline to qualify for the best financial aid awards. Additional documents may include verifications, tax returns, and FAFSA processing holds indicated on your Student Aid Report.
  • Admitted transfer students: Log onto the Financial Aid tool for notification of UCSD scholarship awards. If you're a recipient, you'll be notified by June 1.

• June

  • SIR deadline for admitted transfer students, June 1: Accept admission to UCSD by submitting your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR).
  • Continue to check your ucsd.edu e-mail account often for important e-mails from the Financial Aid Office.
  • Begin saving money for expenses you'll need to pay before you receive your fall quarter financial aid.

• July

  • If you've accepted a Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan, Perkins Loan, and/ or a Parent PLUS loan: Complete a separate promissory note for each program.
  • If you've accepted a Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan or Perkins Loan:
    • Complete the required online loan counseling.
    • Learn more about loans.
  • Continue to review outside agency scholarships so you can meet application deadlines. Many require references, essays, and application forms that take time to complete. Carefully follow the instructions listed for each scholarship.

• August

  Enrollment begins for entering students:

  • Familiarize yourself with undergraduate enrollment requirements to make sure you take the minimum number of units for the quarter.
  • 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 UCSD student account.
    • Learn more about how financial aid funds are paid to you.

• September

  • Enroll in direct deposit by the first week of September. As soon as university charges are taken from your account, any remaining award funds will be deposited directly into your bank account.
    • Learn more about direct deposit.