JB Pritzker, Governor, State of Illinois

Upcoming Important Dates from ISAC

08/04/2022

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) would like to make you aware of the following information, which may be of interest to students and their families.

Unless otherwise noted, links in this message are to corresponding pages at ISAC's website (isac.org).

You may either scroll through the remainder of this message, or click on the appropriate link(s) to go directly to a specific section:

2023-24 (July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024)

2022-23 (July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023)

General Information (Not Specific to One Academic Year)

2023-24 ACADEMIC YEAR

Start Planning Now for 2023-24 Academic Year

FAFSA® Available on October 1 – Make Sure FSA ID is Ready

This is the time for high school seniors (and their parents, if the student is dependent) planning to start college in the fall of 2023 to create an FSA ID, to be used in October when completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). FAFSA results are used to determine eligibility for the Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant, as well as several other forms of federal, state and institutional financial assistance. Be sure your student submits the 2023-24 FAFSA, which will require 2021 income information, as soon as possible after it becomes available on October 1, 2022.

Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid

The 2023-24 Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application) will also become available on October 1, 2022. As a reminder, students meeting the criteria of the Retention of Illinois Students and Equity (RISE) Act may file the Alternative Application – which is patterned after the FAFSA – to apply for the MAP grant. Further details are provided at ISAC's RISE Act page.

Beware of Scams

If your student plans to attend college during the 2023-24 academic year, encourage them to start searching now for scholarships to help fund their education. As they conduct scholarship searches, they should beware of financial aid "scams." There are many reputable resources available, including the Cappex tool that may be accessed via the Resources portion of the ISAC Student Portal, scholarship books in your local library's reference section, and the financial aid office at the college they plan to attend.

October is College Changes Everything Month 2022

During the month of October, many high schools throughout Illinois will hold college application and FAFSA completion workshops for their students. If your college-bound student attends a participating school, encourage them to take advantage of these opportunities to receive assistance. In-person events will be conducted in accordance with state and local health guidelines.

By June 30: High School Juniors Take College Assessment Exams for State Scholar Consideration

Eligibility for the State Scholar Program is based, in part, on a student's highest qualifying ACT or SAT score. High school juniors who are potential candidates will need to take one of the accepted exams during the specified timeframe to be considered for State Scholar designation, even though Illinois' public institutions are now prohibited from requiring the submission of student test scores as part of the admissions process.

For students who will be high school juniors in the upcoming fall, only exams taken between August 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023 qualify for consideration in the State Scholar announcements that will be made during their senior year (i.e., high school juniors, who will be college freshmen during the 2024-25 academic year, will be named Scholars during the fall of 2023). Further details are provided at the State Scholar Program page of our website.

2022-23 ACADEMIC YEAR

FAFSA and Alternative Application Remain Available

The 2022-23 FAFSA remains available online, and – if not already done – should be completed as soon as possible by families of students who will be attending college between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023. Specific details, including links to several online resources, may be accessed via the Financial Aid Planning section (which is located within the Students & ParentsBefore College area). FAFSA results are used to determine eligibility for the MAP grant, as well as several other forms of federal, state and institutional financial assistance.

In addition, the 2022-23 Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application) is also available (in English and Spanish). As a reminder, students meeting the criteria of the RISE Act may file the Alternative Application – which is patterned after the FAFSA – to apply for the MAP grant. Because the failure to register for Selective Service no longer disqualifies an applicant from receiving federal student aid, students who have not registered may want to consider completing the FAFSA instead of the Alternative Application to maximize their financial aid opportunities. Further details are provided at ISAC's RISE Act page.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Parent-Specific Resources Available at ISAC's Website

If you are a mom or dad with a student who is college-bound or already in college, you will find information in the Parents section to assist you in helping your child navigate the college process. Examples of the parent-specific resources that are available include a college planning guide, information about saving for college, and specifics regarding federal PLUS loans.

Remember, too, that much of the college-related information you need to know is located in the Before College, During College and After College sections of the Students & Parents area.

ISAC Student Portal Provides MAP Resources

Encourage your student to visit the ISAC Student Portal to access these helpful resources related to MAP grants:

  • MAP Estimator (located in the Toolbox area) – students planning to attend an Illinois college may use this tool to get an idea of their eligibility for the MAP grant, and
  • MAP Paid Credit Hours Display (located in the Program Applications & Status Checks area) – MAP grant recipients may use this option to track the number of MAP Paid Credit Hours they have remaining.

Holiday Schedules

ISAC staff will be unavailable for these holidays:

  • Monday, September 5 – Labor Day
  • Monday, October 10 – Columbus Day

Staff will again be available the first business day immediately following each holiday.

For Assistance

Access ISAC's website anytime, or send an e-mail message to the ISAC Call Center. With the exception of days when ISAC staff members are unavailable, we will review and respond to messages during regular business hours of Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (CT).

You are receiving this message because you registered for ISAC's e-Messaging service through the Parents subscription group.

If you have any questions regarding this e-Message, please contact the ISAC Call Center by calling toll free at 800.899.ISAC (4722) or sending an e-mail message to isac.studentservices@illinois.gov.