The Biggest FAFSA Mistakes Families Make—and How to Avoid Them
The FAFSA is the gateway to financial aid, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood parts of the college process. Every year, we see families make preventable mistakes that lead to reduced eligibility, missed deadlines, or costly delays.
At Diversified College Planning, we guide families through the FAFSA step by step—making sure every number is accurate, deadlines are met, and strategies are optimized for maximum aid. Even families who think they “make too much” to qualify can benefit by avoiding mistakes that raise their expected contribution.
Common FAFSA Pitfalls
These are the most frequent and costly errors we see:
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Reporting the wrong parent’s income in cases of divorce or separation
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Including retirement assets in the wrong section
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Failing to list all eligible colleges (which limits award options)
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Missing deadlines—especially state or institutional priority deadlines
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Underestimating the importance of FAFSA for merit aid
Why It Pays to Get Expert Help
Even with the FAFSA Simplification Act changes, the form remains complex and counterintuitive. Diversified College Planning helps families navigate updates, report assets correctly, and use strategies to legally reduce their expected contribution. We also identify which schools require additional forms like the CSS Profile—and how to manage those as well.
Contact Us Today:
Want to avoid costly FAFSA mistakes and maximize your student’s aid? We can help you get it right.
📞 Call us at 770-662-8510
📅 Schedule a free consultation: Book with Jarad
Or visit our Contact Page: https://diversifiedcollegeplanning.com/contact-us/
