Some agencies have absolute deadlines, especially state scholarship agencies. If you apply past their deadlines, you will be denied any award for which you may have been eligible otherwise. The most important document needed to complete the application forms is a copy of your and your parents' current federal tax return. If the return is not yet completed, you should estimate, using a copy of the prior year tax return. Most high schools run workshops in December or January to assist families.
Guidance counselors are often very knowledgeable about the process.
Clark's Office of Financial Assistance also can help. Some colleges will request that your other parent also provide information on an additional form. If you are unable to obtain the requested information, you should notify Clark's Office of Financial Assistance. Clark will then determine if there is sufficient reason to waive this requirement and you will be notified. At Clark, as at many other institutions, we believe that financing your education is a family responsibility, to the extent that your family is able to help.