Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial step in accessing financial aid for college. However, even small mistakes can delay your aid or reduce the amount you might receive. This guide outlines the most common FAFSA errors and provides strategies to avoid them, ensuring a smooth application process whether you're a first-time applicant or renewing your FAFSA.
1. Missing Deadlines
The Issue: Missing federal, state, or institutional deadlines can result in lost financial aid opportunities.
How to Avoid:
- Submit Early: If you need aid for the 2024-25 academic year, the FAFSA application is already open. The 2025-26 FAFSA opens in early December 2024.
- Check All Deadlines: Be aware of federal, state, and college-specific deadlines. The federal deadline for the 2024-25 FAFSA is June 30, 2025 and for the 2025-26 is June 30, 2026. But state and institutional deadlines are often earlier!
Pro Tip: Look up your state's deadline
here to avoid missing state-specific aid opportunities.
2. Incorrect Personal Information
The Issue: Misspelled names, incorrect Social Security Numbers (SSNs), or mismatched birth dates can cause rejection or delays.
How to Avoid:
- Double-check Details: Ensure your name, SSN, and date of birth match your official documents exactly.
- Use Legal Names: Avoid nicknames; use your full legal name as it appears on your Social Security card.
- Verify Parent Information: If applicable, ensure your parents' information is also correct.
3. Not Using the Official Website
The Issue: Some websites charge fees to help complete the FAFSA, which should always be free.
How to Avoid:
- Use FAFSA.gov: This is the only official, free website for FAFSA submission.
- Remember: FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid—it should never cost money to fill out!
4. Errors in Reporting Income
The Issue: Incorrect income information can affect your Student Aid Index (SAI) and financial aid package.
How to Avoid:
- Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT): This tool transfers tax information directly from the IRS, ensuring accuracy.
- Use Tax Information from the prior-prior year:
- For the 2024-2025 FAFSA, you'll need 2022 tax data.
- For the 2025-2026 FAFSA, you’ll need 2023 tax data.
- Explain Significant Changes: If your financial situation has changed since the relevant tax year, enter the required information and then contact your school's financial aid office to explain the changes. Your school may be able to use Professional Judgment (PJ) to adjust your award.
5. Misunderstanding Dependency Status
The Issue: Incorrectly determining whether you're a dependent or independent student can significantly impact your aid eligibility.
How to Avoid:
- Know the Rules: Generally, if you're under 24, unmarried, and have no dependents, you're likely a dependent student unless you meet specific criteria.
- Use the FAFSA Dependency Questionnaire: Answer these questions carefully to determine your status.
Note: Review our guide on dependency status for more detailed information.
6. Failing to Sign the FAFSA
The Issue: An unsigned FAFSA cannot be processed.
How to Avoid:
- Sign Electronically: Use your FSA ID to sign. Both you and a parent (if you're a dependent) must sign.
- Confirm Submission: Ensure you see a confirmation that your FAFSA has been successfully submitted.
7. Neglecting to List All Schools
The Issue: Schools not listed on your FAFSA won't receive your information, potentially costing you aid.
How to Avoid:
- List All Potential Schools: Include every school you're considering, up to the maximum of 20.
- Update as Needed: You can log back in to add new colleges if your plans change.
8. Not Reading Definitions Carefully
The Issue: Misunderstanding FAFSA-specific terms can lead to incorrect responses and affect aid eligibility.
How to Avoid:
- Read Instructions Thoroughly: Take time to understand FAFSA definitions for terms like "parent," "household size," and "assets."
- Seek Clarification: If unsure, consult your school's financial aid office or the FAFSA glossary.
9. Assuming You Won't Qualify for Aid
The Issue: Many students skip the FAFSA, assuming they won't qualify based on income, potentially missing out on various forms of aid.
How to Avoid:
- Always Submit the FAFSA: You may be eligible for federal loans, work-study, or institutional scholarships that don't solely depend on financial need.
- Consider Merit-Based Aid: Some colleges use FAFSA data to determine merit-based aid, which isn't tied to financial need.
Filling out the FAFSA accurately is crucial for maximizing your financial aid opportunities. By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll ensure your application is processed quickly and accurately, optimizing your eligibility for various forms of aid.
Next, we’ll cover the FAFSA Submission Summary.
