Common FAFSA Mistakes to Avoid

by Claudine Vainrub, Principal of EduPlan / Friday, 06 December 2019 / Published in College Admissions

Up to this point, the college application process has been all about you. However, if you are considered a dependent student, then completing the FAFSA application will be a team effort. Before you dive in to fill out the form, be sure that everyone involved has gathered the required information (social security numbers, tax information, FSA IDs, etc.). In addition, avoid the following common mistakes when completing the FAFSA form.

Not completing the FAFSA. Many students and their families don’t complete the FAFSA form for a variety of reasons. They think “We make too much money for financial aid” or “The form is too much work”. This is a big mistake! Even if you do not qualify for federal grants, the FAFSA is also the application for federal work-study (your ticket to a campus job), or federal student loans (unsubsidized federal loans do not require demonstrated need). If you do not complete the FAFSA, you will lose out on financial aid options.
Not completing the FAFSA on-time. Most schools have a preferred submission deadline for the FAFSA form. Students who submit their FAFSA information to the school by the deadline will receive the best consideration for financial aid. Fill out the FAFSA form as soon as possible as it typically takes 3-5 days for a school to receive your FAFSA data (sometimes longer). Start now!
Not getting an FSA ID. An FSA ID is the username and password you will use to sign in and complete the FAFSA form. This ID will also allow you to sign and submit the form electronically. You and your parents will each need a unique FSA ID. It can take up to three days for your FSA ID to be activated before you can use it to sign your form. Apply for your FSA ID now!
Not following directions. This may sound simple but read the directions and complete the FAFSA form carefully. Incorrect information could cost you thousands of dollars. If you are confused about a question, take help from the form guidelines or multiple online resources.
Not listing all the colleges you are considering. Each school will receive their own copy of your FAFSA data. You should list every college that you are considering (even if you aren’t sure about applying there or being accepted). You can list up to ten colleges initially and there is an option for you to list even more. Don’t worry – the colleges can’t see what other schools you have on your list.

Take Action

Check out more details on the US Department of Education blog “Homeroom” about other mistakes to avoid at this stage. The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) also has a detailed list of FAFSA tips and mistakes to avoid. Make it a priority to get your FAFSA done as soon as possible!