We realize that parents scrutinize colleges as much as their students do. Here's how you can help your son or daughter through the admissions process at Luther:
Early November
Luther has rolling admission and begins reviewing completed applications the first week of November. Applicants will likely hear about the outcome of their application—and their eligibility for academic scholarship—within two weeks of submitting a complete application, available online and as a download. While there's no formal deadline for application, students are encouraged to apply by January 1 to stay on track with their application for financial aid.
Also, begin thinking about the best time for your student to audition for a music scholarship, if applicable. The deadline is March 1; students need not major in music to be eligible for renewable awards ranging up to $4,000 per year. Many students audition with material prepared for state music contests. Visit the music department's website for details. To schedule an audition, contact the Admissions Office at (800) 458-8437.
January
After January 1, applicants and their families may submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), based on the previous year's tax information. This form is required for Luther to consider a student for financial assistance. (Ninety-seven percent of Luther students receive some type of award; more than $20 million in aid is awarded annually.)
To file the FAFSA online (recommended), visit www.fafsa.ed.gov. Your son or daughter may start this process using income estimates if your family's taxes are not done. Note that students and parents each need a Personal Identification Number (PIN); you may each apply for one online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Families are also encouraged to submit the brief Luther Supplemental Financial Aid Application to better explain their outlook on financing college, especially circumstances not readily apparent in the results of the FAFSA. Parents often use this form to clarify any joint custody arrangements or explain any forseeable shifts in income. Luther works one-on-one with families to make a Luther education affordable. For more information, contact Luther's Financial Aid Office.
February 15
Your family's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be complete. This form, submitted first to the government then forwarded to Luther, enables Luther to review a student's eligibility for financial assistance (including endowed scholarship and work-study).
Please note that it usually takes a few weeks for a FAFSA to be processed by the federal government. All families are encouraged to complete a FAFSA, regardless of perceived qualification for aid, because several factors (including number of students in college) may lead to financing possibilities.
March 1
March 1 is the deadline for completing an audition for music scholarship. Students do not need to major in music to be considered for a music scholarship. Audition material varies depending on studio; visit the music department's website for further details. First-year students are also eligible for a one-year music lesson scholarship.
Tuition and fees for the 2007-2008 academic year are approved by the Luther College Board of Regents by March 1. We will notify you of the new tuition, room, and board charges. The information will also be posted on the Financial Aid Office website.
Mid-March
Students who have applied for need-based financial assistance (by completing the FAFSA and the Luther Supplemental Financial Aid Application) will begin receiving notification of aid awards in mid-March. Luther encourages you to collect and compare awards from your student's top schools and ask any questions you may have.
A signed copy of the award must be returned to the Financial Aid Office (along with a $200 nonrefundable enrollment deposit) to confirm the package, if your student has decided to attend Luther. This confirmation and deposit trigger the mailing of your student's campus housing application.
April
Starting in April, please inform the Financial Aid Office, by phone or in writing, of any outside scholarships your student may have been awarded. By law, these scholarships need to be coordinated with your financial aid award. This process continues throughout the summer as private organizations notify scholarship winners.
Luther mails incoming students a hefty Admitted Student Guidebook in April. Among many other things, this binder contains necessary health and work-study forms, and the student's Norse Key—a username and password used in class registration and for logging in to campus e-mail.
May 1
The National Candidate Reply Date for all colleges is May 1. If your student hasn't already done so, he or she should make the decision whether or not to attend Luther and send in a nonrefundable $200 enrollment deposit.
Again, once Luther receives a deposit, the residence life office sends out the student's housing application. Since campus housing is allocated based on date of receipt of the completed housing application, it's to your student's advantage to send the deposit as soon as he/she is certain Luther is the best fit.
June
Incoming first-year students are invited to register for classes during special half-day sessions in June. Plan ahead to make attendence in person possible—it's a lot easier for your student's academic adviser to help select classes and make scheduling adjustments when he/she has had a chance to talk with your student about his/her interests.
Information regarding registration is sent in the Admitted Student Guidebook binder in April or May. Please bring the guidebook with you to campus.