What are Common Errors When Filling Out FAFSA?

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According to the Department of Education, about 30% of all FAFSAs (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) were selected for verification, a process intended to help correct common errors. You really want to avoid these errors: of course, it can prevent you from receiving financial aid, but it can cost you time and energy even if they give you a chance to fix your application.

The first thing you can do to ensure no errors is to get started early (anytime after Jan.1). Secondly, try to use the online version of the FAFSA. This online application has a built-in “edit checks” that will help prevent common errors. If you do things the old fashioned way, using the printed version, be sure to proofread your application before submitting it – preferably with someone who can help you verify that you’re not making errors.

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What is the FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that students or their families fill out each year to apply for federal, state, and institutional financial aid for college or career school. This form collects information about a student’s or family’s income, assets, and household size to determine their eligibility for grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and federal student loans. The FAFSA is required by most colleges and universities in order to receive any type of financial aid, and it is also used by many private scholarship programs. Additionally, the form must be completed and submitted each year that a student wishes to receive financial aid.

What are Some Common FAFSA Mistakes?

The common mistakes are:

1. Leaving a Field Blank

This is usually only a problem with printed application (the online version should catch it and remind you to fill it in), but you’d be surprised how often this happens. If the answer is zero, then for goodness sake, write zero!

2. Careless Reading and Inputting Incorrectly

This a big whammy. If the form asks the amount of your income tax and you type in your income, everything is going to be thrown off. Another mistake is reading the “you” as your parents or your spouse. Every “you” on FAFSA is referring to you, the student. READ carefully!

3. Forgetting to Sign the Application

This happens for the online application often when individuals forgot their FSA ID. If you are filing as a dependent, remember both you and your parents must sign the form. If filing online, be sure to enter your PIN number in lieu of signature. If filing online you may use the check your status option immediately after submitting. If you failed to sign, the system will warn you right away.

5. Not Being Prepared

Forgetting to report all sources of untaxed income comes up quite often. For example, for FAFSA purposes, if you contribute to a 401k or any other pre-tax retirement account, you must add back any contributions in the previous year to your income.

Another reminder, you will need your parents’ financial information if you are indeed a dependent. Of course, you will need your tax information too. Estimating is acceptable, but having your documents with you may gain you the best results.

6. Not Filing by the Deadline

A common mistake is waiting to get all you paperwork together in one place, file your taxes and then waiting for some spare time to sit down and do the task. Many people might not be aware that some money is on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is imperative to file as early as possible. Remember to finish the application (if you started it one week, and come back to it the next), and also remember this application has these three deadlines, if not sooner!. And don’t forget, you are filling out the application for the following school year, not the year you may be currently enrolled in.

Other Tips for Filling Out the FAFSA

Biggest piece of advice: don’t rush through the form – that’s how most mistakes happen. According to Nicole Callahan, a media analyst at the Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid, the FAFSA takes most people 23 minutes to complete, and (get this) there is help provided throughout the application. Don’t miss out because you think, geez, this is going to take forever! It’s shorter than watching a sitcom on Netflix!

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Aya Andrews

Editor-in-Chief

Aya Andrews is a passionate educator and mother of two, with a diverse background that has shaped her approach to teaching and learning. Born in Metro Manila, she now calls San Diego home and is proud to be a Filipino-American. Aya earned her Masters degree in Education from San Diego State University, where she focused on developing innovative teaching methods to engage and inspire students.

Prior to her work in education, Aya spent several years as a continuing education consultant for KPMG, where she honed her skills in project management and client relations. She brings this same level of professionalism and expertise to her work as an educator, where she is committed to helping each of her students achieve their full potential.

In addition to her work as an educator, Aya is a devoted mother who is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive home environment for her children. She is an active member of her community, volunteering her time and resources to support local schools and organizations. Aya is also an avid traveler, and loves to explore new cultures and cuisines with her family.

With a deep commitment to education and a passion for helping others succeed, Aya is a true inspiration to those around her. Her dedication to her craft, her community, and her family is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.

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