You'll miss out on your share of that money for next year if you don't get your paperwork in early. To be considered for aid, you must be in Financial Aid's computer system.
Every American student needs to fill out the application.
Once the money's gone, it's gone. Apply as quickly as possible, as early as possible, and make sure you meet academic progress requirements. The Satisfactory Academic Progress scale is listed on page 49 of the current University catalog . Reminder letters will be sent out in late February about filling out your application. But don't wait for the reminder, do it now.