1. Apply for a Personal Identification Number (PIN) with the Department of Education at www.pin.ed.gov (you will need a PIN to sign your FAFSA application electronically).
3. Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1 of each year. Priority funding deadline for some programs is March 15 of each year. Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov.
4. Watch for an e-mail within three to five days after completing the FAFSA application saying it has been processed and how to access your Student Aid Report (SAR) online.
5. Respond to any request for information to Bismarck State College.
6. Accept or decline your award online through CampusConnection once you have received your award packet.
7. After being awarded a student loan for the first time at Bismarck State College, you must complete the entrance loan counseling session. Students can complete this at any time. Visit mappingyourfuture.org.
8. If you are receiving a student loan, you must complete the Master Promissory Note. This will be sent to you by either e-mail or mail by your lender you have chosen.
9. You will want to periodically check your holds and to-do lists on your CampusConnection. If you have questions, please contact the Financial Aid Office at (701) 224-5494 as soon as possible.
10. You will receive a check or you can directly deposit your excess financial aid into your bank account approximately 12 days after each semester begins.
Consistently check your e-mail for Financial Aid correspondence.
