{"id":3020,"date":"2026-09-30T16:30:47","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T21:30:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myredkite.com\/blog\/?p=3020"},"modified":"2026-09-30T17:23:21","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T22:23:21","slug":"fafsa-season-6-mistakes-families-can-avoid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myredkite.com\/blog\/fafsa-season-6-mistakes-families-can-avoid\/","title":{"rendered":"FAFSA season: 6 mistakes families can avoid"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A few details to check before, and after, you submit.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Completing the FAFSA is an important step toward financial aid. Here are 6 common mistakes your family can avoid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A little preparation can save a follow-up later.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n 6 things to watch for\n <\/h2>\n\n
\n\n 1<\/span>\n
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Choosing the wrong FAFSA year<\/h3>\n

Match the form to the academic year your student will attend college.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n 2<\/span>\n
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Assuming your family won\u2019t qualify for aid<\/h3>\n

States and colleges may also use FAFSA information to determine aid.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n 3<\/span>\n
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Waiting for a final college list<\/h3>\n

Include schools your student is considering.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n 4<\/span>\n
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Sharing one StudentAid.gov account<\/h3>\n

Each required contributor needs their own account.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n 5<\/span>\n
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Missing priority deadlines<\/h3>\n

Check college and state dates before you submit.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n 6<\/span>\n
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Submitting without checking again<\/h3>\n

Review confirmation details and watch for follow-up requests.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n FAFSA myths vs. facts\n <\/h2>\n\n
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\n MYTH\n <\/p>\n\n

\n A parent contributor has to pay for college.\n <\/p>\n\n

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\n FACT\n <\/p>\n\n

\n Contributing information does not create a payment obligation.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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\n MYTH\n <\/p>\n\n

\n You only need to complete the FAFSA once.\n <\/p>\n\n

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\n FACT\n <\/p>\n\n

\n Students complete a new FAFSA for each year they want aid.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Red Kite Pro Tip:<\/strong> Set aside 45\u201360 minutes<\/strong> to complete the FAFSA with your student, even if it takes less time. That leaves room to find information or work through a question. If you get stuck, use the Federal Student Aid Help Center<\/strong><\/a>. If you spot an error after the form is processed, your student can review their FAFSA Submission Summary and learn how to make a correction<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Final Thought<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Filling out the FAFSA may not be anyone’s favorite activity, but it can open the door to help paying for college.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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