Big or little mistake on FAFSA?

esmitty01 · 04-10-2008, 12:12 AM

So i got my SAR back a whille ago, and it said i made one mistake. The mistake was that i put i had three parents going to be in college this year, but obviously i only have two (doing grad work). It had a little asterick next to it that said "2 assumed" does that mean it automatically corrected it? I can't go back and change it because i completely forget the password i used.... I already got my FA statements from colleges back, could i get screwed for this?

swimcatsmom · 04-10-2008, 12:18 AM

Actually big mistake. On FAFSA you are not allowed to show parents as going to college at all. Generally it takes a financial aid officer override to be able to include parents as in college.

Quote:

67. Number of college students in parents' household. This question asks about the number of household members who, in 2008-09, are or will be enrolled in a postsecondary school. Count yourself as a college student. Include others only if they will be attending at least half time in an approved program during 2008-09 that leads to a degree or certificate at a postsecondary school eligible to participate in any of the federal student aid programs. Do not include your parents. Also do not include a student at a U.S. military academy because the family is not expected to contribute to that student's postsecondary educational cost at the academy.

esmitty01 · 04-10-2008, 12:23 AM

I dont think that was the question, i think it literally said number of parents in college. It wasn't in the student section, but the one to be filled by parent/guardian. Either way, what do i do?

swimcatsmom · 04-10-2008, 12:43 AM

As far as I know the only question on FAFSA that relates to the number of students in college is question 67 - "number of college students in parents household". I am 99.999% sure there is no question for number of parents in college. Are ther four in your family including your parents? That might explain the 'assumed 2' message (assuming you and a sibling are in college). You need to try and find a way to check your SIR and see what the total number of students in college is shown as. If it shows 2 and you are the only student (other than parents) this is incorrect and could lead to problems in the future (if you are verified and/or audited you may have to repay financial aid.)

It may be possible to ask for a special circumstances adjustment for parents being in college. If it is approved the school can go into FAFSA and include the parents as part of the number of college students. You are not supposed to.

You probably should talk to the financial aid department of your school.

garland · 04-10-2008, 10:05 AM

I have the worksheet in front of me. As SCM says, the only question in the parent section is question 66. It asks how many in the household will be college students. In bold, it says "do not include your parents."

It's pretty clear.

Chedva · 04-10-2008, 10:39 AM

Contact FAFSA and get a password reset. You can then make the appropriate changes to this year's FAFSA, and you will need the password for next year's FAFSA as well. KEEP THE PASSWORD in a safe place to refer to it again.