Summary: 

Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Student Aid
As of January 25, 2011
Page 1 FAFSA Tips, © NASFAA 2011
The best way to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is early, online and without any
mistakes.

Apply Early
Many states and colleges use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for nonfederal student aid funds that may have
early deadlines or limited funding. Turning your FAFSA in early could earn you limited nonfederal aid funds that
may not be available if you delay.

Completing your taxes early will help you get a jump on the FAFSA, but you don't need to complete your 2010
taxes in order to apply for federal student aid. You can use data from previous tax years to estimate figures
needed to complete the FAFSA, but you'll need to correct these figures on the form later by going to the
corrections page on the FAFSA website. If you know you will be late filing your taxes, it is better to complete
your FAFSA with estimated information than to wait until your taxes have been filed.

Apply Online

Source: Andrews, Peter B. - Department of Mathematical Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University
Boise State University, Center for Environmental Sensing
Harrington, James A.- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Rutgers University
Helal, Abdelsalam - Department of Computer and Information Science and Engineering, University of Florida
Jalali. Bahram - Electrical Engineering Department, University of California at Los Angeles

Collections: Biology and Medicine; Computer Technologies and Information Sciences; Engineering; Environmental Sciences and Ecology; Materials Science; Mathematics