MONEY MONDAY
FAFSA Without Fear
Set aside some time, gather what you need, and work through it one section at a time.
If the FAFSA has been sitting on your October to-do list staring at you, this is your friendly reminder:
You can do this.
Every year, I talk to families who put off completing the FAFSA because they think it’s going to be complicated, they aren’t sure they’ll qualify for aid, or they’re afraid they’ll answer something incorrectly.
And I understand. When a form involves your child, college AND your finances, suddenly every question feels very important.
But here’s what I want you to know:
The FAFSA doesn’t have to be scary.
And before you begin, let’s talk about a few of the mistakes I see families make most often.
1 Assuming you make too much money to complete the FAFSA.
Please don’t make this decision for the colleges.
The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for federal student aid, but FAFSA information may also be used by states and colleges when awarding their own aid.
Even if you don’t expect to receive need-based federal aid, completing the FAFSA may still be worthwhile.
My rule: Don’t count yourself out before you’ve even applied.
2 Mixing up the student’s information and the parent’s information.
This sounds simple until you’re halfway through the FAFSA and can’t remember whose information belongs where.
Slow down and read carefully.
The student is the person applying for financial aid. Parents who are required to provide information are considered contributors.
Each person should use their own StudentAid.gov account. Don’t create one family account and pass the login around.
3 Guessing instead of reading the question.
FAFSA questions can look familiar enough that it’s tempting to think, I know what they’re asking.
Don’t assume.
Read the entire question and use the FAFSA help information when you’re unsure. A few extra minutes now can save you from having to correct information later.
4 Forgetting to include colleges.
You don’t have to wait until you’ve been accepted to a college to send it your FAFSA information.
Add the schools you’re considering so they can receive your FAFSA information.
And remember: sending FAFSA information to a college does not mean you’re committing to attend.
5 Thinking “submitted” means “finished.”
This one is important.
Once you submit the FAFSA, watch for your FAFSA Submission Summary and review it.
Then keep checking your email and college portals.
A college may need additional documentation or ask you to verify information. Don’t let an unread email stand between your student and potential financial aid.
6 Waiting for the “perfect” time.
This may be my favorite FAFSA mistake because we do this with so many things.
We’ll do it when things calm down.
Friends, you have a high school senior.
Things are not calming down.
Pick an evening. Order the pizza. Open the laptops. Get started.
You don’t need a perfect evening. You just need an hour when everyone agrees not to wander away.
Your Money Monday assignment:
If you haven’t completed the FAFSA yet, make this the week.
Gather Start Submit Follow up
One form won’t determine your student’s entire college future—but completing it is an important step toward understanding what college may actually cost.
And that’s what Money Monday is all about:
Helping families make smart money decisions before the college bill arrives.
The FAFSA is one step in your family’s college plans. For more help along the way, explore Red Kite’s Parent Resources for practical tips on planning and paying for college.
KEEP SCHOLARSHIPS ON YOUR LIST
Working on the FAFSA? Make room for scholarships, too.
The FAFSA is one important step toward paying for college. Keep going with a free, personalized scholarship search through Red Kite to find opportunities that fit your student’s goals and background.
Get Your Matches – It’s Free →ABOUT THIS CONTRIBUTOR
Helpful advice for your college journey.
Sherri Ross of Imagine Scholarships shares practical advice to help students and families navigate the financial side of college planning. Through the Red Kite and Imagine Scholarships partnership, we’re bringing families useful tools, trusted resources, and guidance to help make college more affordable.
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