Applying for student aid and loans can seem like an overwhelming task. Especially when you are just beginning to research all the options. Here's a step-by-step process that should clarify and simplify things for you.

1. Fill out a FAFSA and submit it early.
   The first step in the process is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It is available from your high school guidance counselor, local library, or you may request one from the school to which you are applying. You can also print out a FAFSA or submit it electronically through the Department of Education's Web site at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
   Fill the FAFSA out completely since an incomplete application may be returned creating an unnecessary delay for your application. Make sure to answer "yes" to the item on the FAFSA about your interest in a student loan, so your eligibility for one will be determined.
   You stand a better chance of getting the best aid package possible for your situation if you complete the application process early. We recommend submitting your application no later than March 31 (do not submit it earlier than January 1 or it may be returned). You should also check with the school you wish to attend, as they often set their own application deadlines.
    
2. The federal government determines your eligibility.
   The information you supply on the FAFSA allows the federal government to determine your eligibility for various financial aid programs including:
   • Federal grants which do not need to be repaid;
   • Federal work-study, which allows a student to work part-time on campus; and
   • Federal loan programs, which may be low-interest and interested-deferred (these are offered through your credit union).
      
3. Receive your SAR report.
   Within four to six weeks a Student Aid Report (SAR), summarizing the financial aid programs for which you qualify, will be sent to you and the school(s) to which you applied. If you applied via the Web, you will receive an SAR by mail about one to two weeks after a complete application is received. Based on the SAR, your school will determine the maximum amount of aid for which you qualify under each program and send you an "award" letter.
    
4. Receive your award letter.
   The award letter breaks down the total amount of federal aid for which you are eligible in an academic year, into the specific types of aid. And each type of aid is broken down further by the amount per semester. If your award letter shows you are eligible for a student loan, you can fill out an application to get your loan anytime after receiving the letter.
    
5. See your credit union if you are eligible for a student loan.
   If the award letter shows you are eligible for a student loan or your parents would like to take out a PLUS loan for you, please contact Cascade Central Credit Union. We make applying for your loan as simple and easy as possible. Be sure to use our lender code 819515 anywhere it is requested. This will indicate that we are the lender for your loan.

If you need more information on the financial aid application process, contact your high school guidance counselor or the financial aid office at the school you will be attending. The Department of Education Web site is another good source, offering a wealth of information at www.ed.gov, as is Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation at www.glhec.org.