Subscribe in a reader03.13.09 | Do You Find the FAFSA Confusing?
In a national address on Tuesday, President Obama spoke about making some important changes to the financial aid 
application (FAFSA), with the goal of making it easier for people to apply for financial aid. He called for plans to simplify the FAFSA form by reducing the number of data elements asked for on the application. He also said it could be simplified by corroborating with the information the IRS already has in regards to income (NO, they do not already do this).
Currently the FAFSA has over 100 questions on the application, and for a student that is applying without the help of parents this can be a pretty daunting feat. It also can be confusing for parents to fill out because it does ask for extensive details about income and assets. Records show that in 2008 there were about 10 million FAFSA applications filed. A recent changed that is already in effect makes it possible for students who have no contact with their parents to file an appeal through their school so that they can still file a FAFSA without their parents’ information. This also works if the parents just refuse to release their information. For those who are unaware of the dependent v. independent status when it comes to financial aid, it may come as a surprise to you. The government views you as dependent if you are under the age of 24, and you are not married, you do not have a child, and you are not in the military. Even if you do not live with your parents, you live alone and work to support yourself, like a lot of young adults do, the FAFSA still requires your parents’ income information.
This recent change may make it easier for students to get that form filled out in these circumstances with the help of their financial aid officers at their schools. The simplification of the form and the change stated above should result in an increased number of FAFSA applications filed. …right? More FAFSAs filed typically means more students are applying to college, which is Obama’s ultimate goal. So while it can’t hurt to make the current FAFSA less confusing, what do you think about the way it is now? Is it that terrible that it is prohibiting people from filling it out? I want to hear what you guys think…
Points code: FAFSAWOES
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For me it made it hard to fill out the FAFSA because my over paranoid mom would give me any of her information and there was no other way for me to pay for school. By the time i had convinced her to give me the info it was too late to apply and get anything from one of the state colleges i wanted to go to. So even with good grades i couldn’t go to college without the FAFSA. I also know a lot of people who said they couldn’t fill out the info because they didn’t know their parents and had no idea who to do it without them and to be honest before now…i didn’t either.
March 13th, 2009 | #
I did my own FAFSA with the full support of a parent, and it was not an easy process even with two sets of eyes looking through things. For students trying to do it on their own, you have my respect and condolences! It is about time for form changes to the form, because quite honestly, the FAFSA as it exists today is overly complicated (especially when most of the data on the form is already provided via one’s taxes).
March 13th, 2009 | #
I did it with my parents and my paranoid dad made me do the worksheet before going online. I thought it wasn’t too bad because I had my W2’s and his tax numbers in front of me. If I wasn’t sure, I could pick his brain.
March 13th, 2009 | #
I hear your pain. I have nothing to do with my mom and my father is dead. I have had lots of hassles. My advice fill out the FAFSA with the information you have and talk to the financial aid folks at the school you go to/are interested in. Some Federal programs require parental information even for independent students, I had to write a letter and have it handled by the fin aid dept.
March 13th, 2009 | #
I think the proposed changes would make a big difference for a lot of people. I have contact with my mom, but she does not support me. I support myself (though barely, sometimes) but she can’t afford to help me because she doesn’t have enough money either. Both this year and a few years ago, she came into a bit of money right before the FAFSA was due (which would quickly be put to other uses); I ended up having to put the money she got in with my info, even though I was not going to see a dime. This made it seem like she had more money than she did, and there was no box that said “are you going to be seeing any of this?” I know about the process to appeal your circumstances, but it’s unfair for someone to assume that just because you speak to your parents, they are going to pay for your school instead of pay their own bills.
March 13th, 2009 | #
I think the fafsa is fine. If you cant fill out that simple form then you should not be in college in the first place.
I could not go to college if not for the fafsa and other aid.
March 14th, 2009 | #
This plan sounds great, I graduated in May of 2008; I also plan to attend graduate school in the fall of 2009. I will never forget the first time I had to file my fafsa. It was confusing; although my mother provided her information, I was still alone on filing it. I still feel slightly confused about filing my fafsa because I always had to file on my own. I understand how most students may feel when their parents are not there to help, or possibly never attended college, so they (the parents) may not know how to approach the situation. Overall, I admire the persistence of all students to keep going forward and continuing to gain a higher education!!!!
March 14th, 2009 | #
I’m pretty sure there isn’t a deadline for FAFSA. They always say the sooner the better, but i’m going into my 6th year of filing, and I’ve never seen a deadline.
However, I’ve also been filing as independent for half of these years. I’ll be turning 24 tomorrow, so I am shocked that I’m still considered “dependant” especially since I haven’t lived with (or near) my parents for 3 years, and I file my taxes as independent. I think it’s a stupid rule. Mostly because The Powers That Be in the FinAid world assume college students rely on their parents for financial support until they graduate and get a job. My parents have no money, and the suggestion that they apply for those stupid PLUS loans is insulting. I have financially supported myself since my first babysitting job at 13. I know other kids who, for whatever reason, have supported themselves all along. If the IRS can see me as independent, then I will file as INDEPENDENT on FAFSA.
Ridiculous.
March 14th, 2009 | #
I hate the FAFSA. I am personally paying for college alone. All loans are taken out in my name and I will be the only one paying them back. However, I have to file a FAFSA contingent upon my parents’ incomes. I find that info to me irrelevant, but due to their decent income, I get crap for aid. Yet my mom’s best friend does not have to put her boyfriend’s HIGH income on her daughter’s FAFSA because it is not his child. He will, however, paying for a bulk of her education.
It’s not a fair system. Period.
March 14th, 2009 | #
Aweful!!!!!Aweful!!!!! Like life isnt hard enough they make this complicated form. My parents nagged me for weeks then they couldn’t figure it out either. Irony or carma?????????
March 14th, 2009 | #
Aweful Aweful My parents nagged me to finish then it took them weeks to complete their portion because they were so confused. Irony or Carma??????
March 14th, 2009 | #
No, the FASFA was not too complicated, just tedious and lengthy. This year was easier since some of the information was pre-populated from last years information.
March 14th, 2009 | #
The FAFSA can be confusing when it comes to their policy on kids whose parent’s are divorced or separated because it can be different from the college’s policy. For example, my school only asks for the information from the custodial parent, but the FAFSA says to use the information for the parent you lived with most in the last 12 months or the parent who provided most of your financial support in the last 12 months (if you haven’t lived with one more than the other). So as a result, I had to use the parent’s info that my college asked for over what the FAFSA asked for. There should be a universal policy for the FAFSA and all schools who use it to determine financial aid.
March 14th, 2009 | #
FAFSA..was not difficult at all it has been my 2nd yr to complete it. My mother is a great mom we do everything together therefore I was confident that everything would be successful. She & I always did our research early and gather all information needed. The enter into to college was a smooth successful transition because of my mother.If for any reason you’re not sure what to do or when the customer service with FAFSA is awesome very friendly. The key to everything is to start early & research never delay.
March 14th, 2009 | #
This is my third time completing the FAFSA. It gets easier each year as most of the information required stays the same. You get used to it after awhile.
March 15th, 2009 | #
Fafsa wasn’t that hard for me to fill out considering I had my college counselor help me and my mom. Im just confused about what you do after you have submitted your fafsa. How do you know colleges received it? When will you know how much money you will receive from them? I feel like I should be doing more stuff.
March 15th, 2009 | #
I filed for fasfa, But I feel I get the short hand of the stick because I feel I deserve more grant money but they gov. will not give me anymore
March 15th, 2009 | #
Well, i have some difficulties when i was applying to fafsa, because i live without parents and they dont live in US.
March 15th, 2009 | #
I dont have parents in US, so it was kind of difficult to fill up an application for me.
March 15th, 2009 | #
I dont have parents in Us, so it was kind of difficult to submit an application.
March 15th, 2009 | #
I love this idea! I’ve estranged with one of my parents and it makes life pretty tricky!
March 15th, 2009 | #
I didn’t have any major problems filling out my FAFSA, but it is a major headache. They ask for so much information about your finances and those of your parents. Tracking down all that information is time consuming and frustrating. It didn’t stop me from filing it though. I just figure I have to put up with the headache if I want the funds. I’ve never actually received any funds from FAFSA even though I could certainly use some, but that’s life.
March 15th, 2009 | #
The only difficulty in filling out Fafsa is not having your parent’s tax forms and not being able to understand the jargon otherwise, it’s pretty easy. Just need to do some reading on what line means what which will ultimately prepare one for filing THEIR OWN tax if they don’t do so already.
March 15th, 2009 | #
Filing FASFA this year was easy for me because I had it pre-filled and all I had to do some changes here and there. Now that I can fill independent, I can get even more money for school.
March 15th, 2009 | #
I think that the FAFSA is not as terribly long and arduous as many say, but it does take a little time and patients to do. Even though it’s not that fun, I think that many should consider being thankful that there is any federal aid out there to help people in a bind to get through college, or at least help in financial ways. I think if President Obama wants to make the process shorter and more convenient for those of us who need some outside resource of funding for our schooling, then I’m all for it. Yet, I don’t think that we should complain that there is something that takes maybe a half an hour to an hour to do, to potentially receive free money. Just my thoughts at the moment.
March 16th, 2009 | #
I think that the FAFSA is not as terribly long and arduous as many say, but it does take a little time and patience to do. Even though it’s not that fun, I think that many should consider being thankful that there is any federal aid out there to help people in a bind to get through college, or at least help in financial ways. I think if President Obama wants to make the process shorter and more convenient for those of us who need some outside resource of funding for our schooling, then I’m all for it. Yet, I don’t think that we should complain that there is something that takes maybe a half an hour to an hour to do, to potentially receive free money. Just my thoughts at the moment.
March 16th, 2009 | #
i know that FAFSA changed rules for independency status so i applied as one. now i’m fretting about it cause i might not be considered one. why can’t FAFSA make things clear enough so people don’t have to worry about this !?
March 16th, 2009 | #
Meh; I completed it pretty easily…dunno what could be confusing or hard unless you have unique issues such as the person above.
March 16th, 2009 | #
I didn’t take long for me.
March 17th, 2009 | #
Filling it out is annoying because my dad doesn’t organize his important papers and my sisters and I have to look through mountains of paper to find the information.
March 17th, 2009 | #
Yes, did not take long
March 17th, 2009 | #
I did mine with my mom but it wasn’t too difficult. In coincided pretty well with my W-2 and tax information.
March 17th, 2009 | #
it is real easy to fill this out. the hardest part is to get started.
March 17th, 2009 | #
The biggest problem I had with the form was filling out the correct tax information. Due to family circumstances, we rarely do our taxes ahead of schedule and often file for an extension. No problem, except FAFSA wants info long before thats due, depending on what state you’re looking into.
But I also found this year’s form simpler than previous years. Cracks me up that FAFSA and the IRS aren’t more closely linked.
March 17th, 2009 | #
I’ve just recently looked at the app, haven’t finished it as of yet. with my parents owning and operating two businesses it has been tough in some respects. I’m all for simplification of the whole process. I’m in the middle of my second year of study and hand’t needed to apply for aid until now. As someone who previously thought that such finacial aid should go to those who REALLY need it, and then to suddenly be one of those students it has been very stressful just looking at all the paperwork.
March 18th, 2009 | #
I update my own FAFSA information as necessary, i.e. when I moved and when I changed schools. Other than that, my dad fills out the application after the New Year. It is confusing to figure out what section you what you fix though. Since I am not that familiar with the actual application process, I don’t know how big a difference it would make, but I do know that there should be a question asking who is responsible for paying the tuition. The EFC is determined by my parents’ income, but I am paying for school on my own, and nowhere is that documented. I don’t get grants anymore because I’m going to an in-state school, but my parents aren’t giving me money to pay for it.
March 18th, 2009 | #
I filled out the fafsa and it was indeed confusing but this really helps me to understand it a little bit better!
March 19th, 2009 | #
How long did it take everyone to fill it out? Roughly???
March 19th, 2009 | #
I had difficulty with it just because I’m not a big fan of tediuos paperwork but having a calm mom sitting next to you helps, alot!
March 20th, 2009 | #
Yes…the whole process is very difficult…I just hate it!
March 23rd, 2009 | #
its really hard to understand i did it with my dad….
it needs to be simpler especially if its something you wanted to do it by urself
March 24th, 2009 | #
That fafsa was very confusing. It took forever because I did have to wait for my mom to compile all of our tax information. I wish that the government could just use the information they already have about our parents so we wouldn’t have to file it again!!
March 24th, 2009 | #
this year was actually the easiest time i had with fafsa. but maybe i’ve just done it sooooooo many times… haha
March 24th, 2009 | #
I am one of those students who lives on my own and works to support myself. the most disheartening thing about the dependancy status is that it makes it harder for us living on our own to qualify for “financial need” because my parents make a lot of money. I don’t. enough said.
March 24th, 2009 | #
I think the fafsa isn’t to hard to figure out , you just have to be focused and prepared !!! good luck to all !!! :)
March 25th, 2009 | #
The FAFSA used to be a pain to fill out, but it’s gotten a lot easier over the years, especially since it saves the majority of the data and all you have to do is update it. Provided you have your tax return ready or already filed, you’ll be good to go.
This year was my first year filing as an independent student, and I’m hoping it doesn’t damage my eligibility for financial aid too much. I only have one year left!
As for deadlines, for my school it’s always been March 2nd for Priority. If you file after that, you’re less likely to get a LOT of awards, whether they’re from your state, the federal government, OR your university.
March 25th, 2009 | #
I thought the FAFSA was a lot easier this year. It takes a while for me to force my parents to do their taxes, but other than that, it’s alright.
March 25th, 2009 | #
I thoguth the FAFSA was the hardest thing in the world since I’m a minority and my parents didn’t read or write English, I had to do it all by myself, so initially filling out the FAFSA was had and then eventually, I got used to it the second time.
March 26th, 2009 | #
it become less complicated as this was my 3rd year filling them out.
March 26th, 2009 | #
I thought it all was pretty easy and this was my first year. I actually got a fairly good amount from it too.
March 27th, 2009 | #
Honestly, it wasn’t too difficult for me. I just wish I’d done it sooner. I was rushing two days before the due date to get it in online, but it happened. :)
March 28th, 2009 | #
It was a time consuming process to say the least, but I managed just fine. It helped having all the infomation I needed in hand. Ready-Set-Go!I’m sure any change will be a good one.
March 31st, 2009 | #
that is so true FAFSA is very confussing that people dont ever understand where to where the information when it comes to the parte of the taxes. i hope that obama keeps his promes to make it easer for the education in the US.
March 31st, 2009 | #
do you need your grades to fill out a fafsa form? i failed a class and i dont want my mom to know…just wondering!
April 1st, 2009 | #
I think it was kind of diffecult
April 3rd, 2009 | #
The FAFSA may not be the simplest form to fill out, but its really not that confusing. It is a necessity for most who want to go to college, so we deal with it.
April 4th, 2009 | #
I am 22 years old and currently living in New Mexico as of 8 months ago. My hometown is Greenville, SC. I am moving to Columbia, SC in June to try and pursue a nursing degree at a local technical college. I have been trying to get a degree for the past 4 years. I believe I am still a transferring sophomore, mainly because I cannot afford to pay for school. I have been supporting myself for the past 2 years and each semester when it comes time to fill out my FAFSA, I prepare for the most stressful part of my entire year. My parents have been divorced for about 7 years and my mother is remarried. Her new husband, whom I hardly know, does not divulge his finances to my mother, nor would he even imagine to give up that information to me for my FAFSA. This puts me in a gut-wrenchingly stressful situation. I honestly feel discriminated against. I usually cannot use my father’s tax information because he always files an extension and by the time he does his taxes, if he even does (he got audited by the IRS this year) it would be too late. I have spoken with FAFSA help over the phone numerous times pleading my case and no one seems to hear or want to listen. It is frusterating beyond words that I should have to list my parents financial information when I am a grown adult fully supporting herself–and they would attest to this! My father even mentioned sueing the governement for a violation of civil rights. (ha!) This year I had to project my father’s income even though he has not filed his taxes yet in order to fill my FAFSA out. (because I could not use my mother’s information, since I do not know her husband’s finances) My prospective school sent me an email stating that I now need to send a signed copy of my father’s taxes and W-2 forms, which he has not even filed yet! Subsequently, I might have given up the chance of being accepted for this coming fall because I must wait on my father to come up with the money he needs first to pay his CPA to file his taxes and then wait some more to get the results. (and my father has been to known to file up to 8 months late) By that time their programs are likely to be filled up, especially the nursing program which is currently waitlisted a year. This would prevent me from even getting my name on there. And as a student wanting nothing more than to be enrolled full time in school, I feel there is nothing more I can do but wait for the day that I turn 24. My only other option for early independancy status would be to have a baby or get married! Niether of which are seemingly smart for me at the moment.
I should also mention that I am paying for my education entirely myself and am not begging for government money. I am fully prepared to take out my thousands of dollars in student loans, but now because of FAFSA I might not even have the opportunity for school this fall semester.
I have been running into the same brick wall for four years now (two of which I have been an independant, not claimed on either parents’ taxes, and self supporting) Is there any way of getting my story out there and having something done about this? I know I am not the only one.
Does anyone have ANY information or resources that might be helpful? I would appreciate that much.
April 26th, 2009 | #