Common FAFSA Mistakes That Cost Families
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to most forms of financial aid—including grants, scholarships, work-study, and student loans. But nearly 90% of families make mistakes when filling it out, and those mistakes can lead to lost money, delayed awards, or even disqualification.
At Diversified College Planning, we help families complete the FAFSA accurately and strategically—because how you fill it out can directly impact how much aid you receive.
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Reporting incorrect income or assets
Many families include retirement accounts or home equity—both of which should be excluded. -
Missing deadlines
Some colleges and states have early priority deadlines that can close the door on aid before you even apply. -
Using the wrong parent information (for divorced families)
The FAFSA rules for custodial parents are strict—and changing for 2024–2025. -
Leaving blanks or using commas and dollar signs
Even formatting errors can lead to rejected applications. -
Skipping the FAFSA entirely
Some families assume they won’t qualify for aid and don’t apply—leaving free money on the table.
What the FAFSA Actually Unlocks
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Federal Pell Grants
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State-based aid
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Institutional need-based scholarships
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Federal student loans
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Work-study opportunities
Even some merit-based awards require FAFSA completion to trigger aid packaging.
Pro Tips for Filing FAFSA Right
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Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when possible
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Don’t guess—use actual tax returns
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Create your FSA ID in advance
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Submit early—many programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis
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Review everything before hitting submit
Don’t Go It Alone
We’ve helped thousands of families avoid costly FAFSA mistakes and qualify for thousands more in aid than they thought possible. With the rules changing often and financial aid formulas growing more complex, expert guidance can make all the difference.
📞 Let us walk you through the FAFSA—step-by-step.
Website: https://diversifiedcollegeplanning.com/contact-us/
Phone: 770-662-8510
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