Student Advisor Blog

Don't miss FAFSA deadlines. Check out the www.fafsa.ed.gov site to learn your states FAFSA deadline.

1. Another myth is that the FAFSA preparation services are a scam. Realizing that even the easier to use federal student aid application is complex for many, federal law allows professional student aid advisors to help students prepare their application. A legitimate preparer will tell you immediately that you have a choice to complete the form yourself on the US Department of Education's Web site and will link to the government's Web site. Look for an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, privacy seals, high marks from clients, and a review system where a pro reads all your answers. For example, Student Financial Aid Services www.fafsa.com), the oldest and largest FAFSA prep service in the nation, demonstrates those qualities. 
 
2. Another myth is that aid is determined by the government. Instead, each school determines an individual's aid award, which is why if you apply to 10 schools each aid award can be very different depending on your need and whether your academic achievements match the type of student the college is looking for at the time.  
 
3. A third myth is that if you make a mistake, the Dept of Education's computer review will catch it. This review will catch many errors, however you can answer some questions incorrectly - like including your primary residence as an asset - and your FAFSA can sail through - but your aid award is less than it would have been. Pro preparers and those who provide free services (like College Goal Sunday) Here's a list of free services: http://www.fafsa.com/understanding-fafsa/free-fafsa-assistance 
 
4. You have to wait months until your FAFSA is processed and colleges mail you award letters in the spring to know how much aid to expect. Instead, you can end your aid anxiety by using a college's online net price calculator (all colleges must post them by October) or using a service from StudentAid.com that calculates and compares your aid eligibility, net price, and out-of-pocket costs - even before you apply to a school. The service is inexpensive and free to all low-income students (household income less than $40,000).