2012-2013 Award Guide
The information listed below is designed to help you understand your Notre Dame of Maryland University financial aid award letter. It is important that you thoroughly review this information. The steps listed below should be completed by students with final award letters (see a sample award letter to help understand your letter)
SAMPLE Women's College Award Letter
SAMPLE Pharmacy School Award Letter
1. Review the information listed on the upper right hand side of your award letter
Review the information regarding your enrollment (F-full time, Q-three-quarter time, H-half-time, L-less than half-time, N-not enrolled), your dependency status, housing plans, and student type. If our assumptions are inaccurate, you must contact our office to update our records.
2. Review the section labeled "Grants/Scholarships"
If a federal Pell grant is listed on your award letter, the grant amount will be adjusted if your actual enrollment as of census will differ from the anticipated enrollment.
If your award letter lists any state awards, visit the Maryland College Aid Processing System to accept the state award(s).
Students with endowed awards listed on their award letter will be contacted to write a thank-you note before funds will be released.
Some grants/scholarships could be adjusted if your enrollment as of census is less than the award requires.
3. Review the section labeled "Student Loans"
If you received a Federal Direct Stafford loan at Notre Dame in the previous school year, no activation steps are necessary.
If this is the first time you are receiving Stafford loans at Notre Dame, you must activate the loans between May 1 and July 31.
To reduce or cancel offered loans, complete the appropriate loan paperwork.
4. Review the section labeled "Other Resources"
If your award letter lists a federal work-study award, please visit the federal work study pages for more information and to apply for jobs.
If your award letter lists a Graduate PLUS or PLUS loan, note that they are subject to credit approval and you must activate the loan between May 1 and July 31.
5. If you receive a scholarship or other educationally related financial assistance
If you receive a scholarship or other educationally related financial assistance from any source other than that which is indicated on your award letter, you must send our office a copy of the paperwork, the University will then notify you of any impact to your financial aid package.