College Tidbits

The FAFSA is the federal application for financial aid, but it is also used to apply for aid from other sources, such as your state or school.

TIP: The deadlines for your state or schools may be different from the federal deadlines and you may be required to complete additional forms.

Federal Student Financial Aid Deadlines

State Student Financial Aid Deadlines

Check with your high school guidance counselor or a financial aid administrator at your school about state and school sources of student aid.

Common Errors on the FAFSA

Mike Pugh

A mistake on your FAFSA can delay the processing of your application by up to three weeks. One in seven FAFSA forms is returned due to errors. It could happen to you.

Avoid the most common mistakes:

• The most frequent mistake made is leaving a field blank. If the answer is zero or the question does not apply to you, write in a zero. If you leave a question blank, the processor will assume that you forgot to answer.
• Use the 1040 federal tax return for income reporting and reporting taxes paid. Some parents and students mistakenly use their W-2 form.
• Don’t forget to report all the required sources of untaxed income. These include Social Security, child support and Aid to Dependent Children (ADC).
• Report your correct marital status. If you plan to file as a married student, you must be married on or before the date that you sign your FAFSA.
• Make sure to include your stepparent’s information.
• Include yourself in the household size. Even if you didn’t live there during the previous year, you should always include yourself as part of your parent’s household.
• Don’t forget to sign the application. If you’re filing as a dependent, both you and your parents must sign. If you file online, you and your parents can sign the form electronically using your PIN numbers.
• Remember to file on time. Priority for programs with limited funds is often given to students who file the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible.
• As with all forms and applications, make sure you read the instructions and questions carefully. If you’re unclear about a question or are having trouble filling out the FAFSA, check the FAQ section on the FAFSA Web site, or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED AID (1-800-433-3243).
• On the paper form, follow instructions with regard to using a pen or pencil.

To avoid these errors, get started early. Use the Pre-Application Worksheet to insure you’ve gathered all the necessary information. Be sure to proofread your application before you submit it. Fill it out right the first time, and you’ll have your financial aid letter in no time.

1. It’s Free!
All it takes is a few minutes (an hour at the most) for you and your child to complete. Get a copy of the 2008-2009 version Now!

2. A Chance to get Federal Aid
You get a chance to share in billions of dollars set aside by the federal government for qualified students.  The money is given in the form of grants, loans and work-study.

3. A Chance to qualify for State Aid
It allows you to take advantage of any state funding you may qualify for.

4. School Specific Aid
Most colleges and some private scholarship sponsors require students to submit their FAFSA to be considered for financial aid.

5. Getting Help is Easy and Free
Submitting your FAFSA free, and is a lot easier to complete than you think.  You can also submit any questions you have, online at the FAFSA Web site or you can call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).