Most Common FAFSA Mistakes
User Name
You must use your legal name (look to your Social Security Card) on the FAFSA rather than nicknames.
Parent Information
One of the most common mistakes on the FAFSA is when the Social Security numbers and dates of birth for the parents are not included. Leaving this information blank will cause the FAFSA to be rejected. If parents do not have a Social Security Number, use 000-00-0000.
Who Completes the FAFSA
Remember the FAFSA application assumes the student is completing the FAFSA. For example, if a parent is completing the FAFSA, remember that the word ‘you’ refers to the student.
Enrollment Status
Part-time status for undergraduates is 11 credits or less in a semester (8 or less for graduates) while full-time status is 12 or more for undergraduates (9 or more for graduates).
Blank Answers
Instead of leaving an income question blank, you should indicate a Zero.
Answers without Cents
Dollar amounts should not include cents. Do not indicate one hundred dollars as 100.00 as the FAFSA will read that 10,000.
Marital Status
This refers to the marital status (student and/or parents) at the moment the FAFSA is filled. If someone is separated but still married, then the answer to Marital Status should be ‘Yes’. If you get married after you complete the FAFSA application you cannot change your marital status until the next academic year.
Independent Status
Most students under the age of 24 will have to indicate dependent status. Please read this portion of your FAFSA application carefully and call the Office of Student Financial Aid and Enrollment Services if you have additional questions or believe you qualify for independent status.
Number in Household and College
Read this part carefully and remember to include yourself as a person in college (you will be for the coming year!). If you are a dependent student and your parent is attending college, you cannot include your parent in the number in household attending college.
Errors Involving Taxes, Worksheets, and Assets
Be extremely careful with these areas. Read all information closely. This can be a confusing part of the FAFSA. Feel free to have your parents help with this section and call the Office of Student Financial Aid and Enrollment Services with questions.
On-Campus versus Off-Campus
The answer to this question will impact your financial aid award letter. Answer "On-Campus" if you intend to live at the University. Answer "Off Campus" if you intend to live away from your parent's household but not at the University.