Financial Aid Office Checklist for Entering Students

Are you applying for financial aid?

• Complete the FAFSA (each year).
• The 2024-2025 FAFSA will not be available to complete until December 31, 2023. 
  • Incoming students are encouraged to complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA by February 9, 2024. 

Have you been awarded student loans?

• Accept your loans on the Student Information System (SIS).
• Sign a promissory note for each type of loan:
  • Direct Unsubsidized promissory note
  • Graduate PLUS loan promissory note
• Complete Student Loan Entrance Counseling. Be sure you select the "Graduate - Professional Student" version. 

Did you request financial aid to cover your living expenses, in excess of tuition and fees?

• Sign up for direct deposit. Go to your Student Center — under the "Finances" section, you will find the link to the secure online electronic form.

Are you a veteran of the U.S. armed forces?

• Important forms and information for veterans.
• Contact Matt Wakeman, Assistant Dean of Financial Aid with questions:  mwakeman@law.virginia.edu or 434-924-7805.

Other items to consider:

• Activate your UVA email account and check it regularly. You will receive your bill for tuition and fees electronically each term, about 40 days before classes start. 
• Check your SIS Student Center for "to do" items and complete requests promptly.  
• Submit your pre-entrance health forms on time. Failure to do so can result in late fees or a "hold" on your student account, which will delay your financial aid disbursement. 
• Financial aid is for the student's educational expenses. Budget carefully in order to live within the resources available, and borrow only what you absolutely need.
• Protect your credit and your identity. Both play critical roles in your professional future.
• Pay off personal debt before starting Law School. Eliminate credit card payments, car loans, etc., to minimize the burden on your finances while attending school full-time.