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STEP 1: Narrow your college/school selection and apply for admissions at each of these institutions as soon as possible.
STEP 2: The student and one (1) parent should apply for a PIN as soon as possible.
- Visit www.pin.ed.gov
- Click on "APPLY FOR A PIN".
- Follow the instructions.
STEP 3: Upon receipt of your PIN, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov
- Submit as soon after January 1 as possible, listing up to 10 possible school choices.
STEP 4: A Student Aid Report (SAR) will be mailed or e-mailed to you and the school(s) listed on the FAFSA.
STEP 5: The school you are planning to attend will send an Award Letter.
- The Award Letter will indicate the cost of attendance and the programs you are eligible to receive based on the information contained on the SAR.
STEP 6: If eligible for student loans, designate SIMMONS FIRST as your student loan leander (LENDER CODE: 815745) and follow the instructions for notifying the school.
- The process for applying for financial aid can be intimidating with unfamiliar and confusing terminology.
Some schools may even provide a list of lenders they would prefer you to choose; however, Federal regulations clearly state that it is YOUR CHOICE to choose the lender.
Schools are prohibited from delaying the loan process due to your lender choice. Indicate SIMMONS FIRST on all documents and correspondence with the school.
STEP 7: If applying for a Federal Stafford Loan, Federal GradPLUS Loan, or Federal PLUS Loan, a Master Promissory Note (MPN)should be completed and returned to SIMMONS FIRST.
- SIMMONS FIRST CANNOT process your student loan request until your MPN is received.
- A Federal Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) can be downloaded from this site. Click here.
- A Federal GradPLUS or Federal PLUS Loan Application and Master Promissory Note can be downloaded from this site.Click here.
STEP 8: A Notice of Guarantee and Disclosure Statement (NOG) will be mailed to you.
- The NOG will contain information such as:
- SIMMONS FIRST's name/address;
- The amount you will receive;
- The current interest rate; and
- The scheduled disbursement dates as determined by the school.
Verify the accuracy of the information contained on the NOG and notify SIMMONS FIRST of any
corrections.
STEP 9: The loan proceeds will be divided into at least two disbursements and will be sent directly to the school on the indicated disbursement dates.
STEP 10: The school is responsible for distribution of loan proceeds to you.
- Contact the school for information on their procedures for delivering the funds to you.
Step 11: DON'T FORGET! You MUST reapply each academic year.
