The most common mistake made on the FAFSA is to forget to list a colleges. Another common mistake is to list assets that are not included on the FAFSA. Some students also forget to sign their application. There are also students who do not list their parents’ income and students who do not list their own income.
1: Not filling out the FAFSA
One of the most common mistakes a student can make is not filling out their FAFSA. The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, needs to be filled out before a student can get any federal student aid. It’s also important to fill it out each year because there are changes in eligibility and other things that may have changed in your life since last year.
There are seven steps to filling out the FAFSA. In order to fill out the form correctly, you’ll need an FSA ID which is a username and password that lets you electronically sign your application. You’ll also need all your tax information from the previous year from before January 1st, 2012.
Some tips for filling out your FAFSA:
- Fill out the forms with a blue or black pen. If you make a mistake, cross it out with a single line and put a note in the margin of what you’re changing. Do not erase mistakes because it may cause problems for your application.
- If you filed a paper return, make sure it’s only your federal tax return and not any state returns. The FAFSA does not ask for information from the state so you don’t have to include those on your application.
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Filing taxes late
Another mistake that is easy to make but can cost you a lot of money is filing your taxes late. This year, almost three million people filed their taxes late and had to pay $250 in penalties on top of the usual fees for filing later than the deadline. To avoid paying these extra fees, file your taxes early or as soon as you get all the necessary documentation.
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Leaving questions blank on the FAFSA
One of the most common mistakes made on the FAFSA is not filling it out completely. This includes leaving questions blank on the application. It’s important to remember that the FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid. So, not answering all the questions could result in a lower award amount.
Another mistake that students often make is not submitting the FAFSA on time. The deadline for most states is typically in early March, so make sure you submit your application as soon as possible.
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Entering incorrect information on the FAFSA
Another common mistake that students make is entering incorrect information on their FAFSA. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as not reading all the questions carefully or not having all the necessary documentation.
To avoid entering incorrect information, be sure to read all the questions carefully and answer them accurately. You should also have all your tax information and other supporting documents ready before you start filling out the form. If you’re unsure about something, be sure to contact the financial aid office at your school for help.
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Forgetting to sign and date your FAFSA application
Another mistake students make is forgetting to sign and date their FAFSA application. To make sure this doesn’t happen, be sure to print a copy of the form before you submit it. When you sign it, make sure you write your FSA ID number on later copies of the form.
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Submitting a paper application instead of an online one
Another mistake that students make is submitting a paper application instead of an online one. The online application is much easier to fill out and submit, and it’s also more secure. So, make sure you submit your FAFSA online this year.
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Not signing up for a FSA ID
One mistake that students often make is not signing up for a FSA ID. This is a username and password that lets you electronically sign your FAFSA application. Without a FSA ID, you won’t be able to submit your application online.
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Signing the FAFSA with the incorrect name and/or social security number
The final mistake that students often make is signing the FAFSA form with the wrong name or social security number. The information on this form is used to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid, so it’s important to make sure it’s correct. This includes checking for typos before you submit.
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Forgetting to include dependents on your FAFSA application
Another mistake that students often make is forgetting to include their dependents on their FAFSA application. This can result in a lower award amount, so be sure to include all of your dependents on the form. 10. Consistently using family income from two years ago
One common mistake that students make on the FAFSA is using family income from two years ago instead of the current year. This can result in a lower award amount, so it’s important to use the correct information on the form.
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Not applying for financial aid until late in the year
One mistake that students often make is not applying for financial aid until late in the year. This can result in a lower award amount, so it’s important to submit your FAFSA as soon as possible.
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Thinking you’re automatically ineligible for financial aid by not qualifying for a Pell Grant
One common mistake that students make is thinking they’re automatically ineligible for financial aid by not qualifying for a Pell Grant. This isn’t the case though – there are a variety of other financial aid options available, so be sure to apply for financial aid even if you don’t qualify for a Pell Grant.
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Picking schools that are too expensive
One mistake that students often make is picking schools that are too expensive. This can result in taking out too much student loan debt, which can be difficult to repay. To avoid this mistake, be sure to research the cost of attendance at different schools before you apply. You can find this information on each school’s website.
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Not completing the FAFSA every year
Another mistake that students make is not completing the FAFSA every year. The FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid, so it’s important to submit it every year.
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Not submitting your FAFSA on time
One common mistake that students often make when it comes to submitting the FAFSA is waiting too long before they submit it. The sooner you submit your application, the sooner you’ll find out if you qualify for financial aid and the sooner you’ll receive any award you’re eligible for. The deadline to submit a FAFSA is typically on March 2, but keep in mind that this varies by state.
16. Forgetting to include adult children
Forgetting to include adult children, step children, adopted children or disabled children on your FAFSA Before: You’re a single parent with two children. Your oldest child is starting college this year and you don’t know how you’ll be able to afford it without outside help.
In conclusion
The FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid, so it’s important that you submit the form every year. The sooner you do this, the better chance of receiving any award or help with tuition costs available. If you’re a single parent with two children and are looking for some outside help in paying for college expenses, be sure to include both kids on your FAFSA application. This will allow them to qualify for additional grants or scholarships they may not have qualified for otherwise! Best of luck – we hope these mistakes don’t happen again next time around!
