January and February:

• Apply for financial aid by completing your FAFSA; all schools require FAFSA so you can complete it before you know where you will go to med school
• Visit the financial aid websites of the medical schools to which you have applied; learn their financial aid application process and deadlines

March through May:

• Complete institutional financial aid forms with parental information
• Respond promptly to the Financial Aid Office regarding requests for additional information
• Keep you address current
• For entering students - inquire about an estimate of financial aid/scholarship support, if you have not already received one
• Attend recruitment weekend to learn about our school from faculty, staff and students
• Plan for the process and cost of relocation to Los Angeles

June and July:

• Review your financial aid notification (FAN), which lists your aid for the academic year
• Develop your spending plan and calendar for your income and expenses
• Keep you address current
• Complete and return the Student Intent to Register form (SIR)
• Sign up for Bruin Direct (direct deposit of your financial aid into your personal checking account)
• Relocate to Los Angeles

August:

• Attend the Financial Aid Session during Orientation week (early August) to meet the financial aid staff and learn more about financial aid and financing your medical school education
• Instruction begins (mid August)
• Be sure your tuition and fees are paid in full; if your financial aid is not enough, request additional aid or pay the difference yourself
• Update your mailing address
• Complete in-school deferment forms for undergraduate student loans