glido

How does an appointment to a service academy affect a family's EFC - a sibling's FA at a civilian school?

Stealth_81

When our son was at USAFA we were able to put '2' in the box that asked how many children that we had enrolled full-time in college. This cut the EFC in half for our daughter's FAFSA so I would say that it had a positive effect!

Stealth_81

Whistle Pig

We tried that. Never got one FA office to "buy it." It won't hurt you, nor will it "help" as if you were paying the freight for that SA student.

Stealth might have been, dare we say, flying under the FA radar. Congrats if you succeeded in pulling that one off. Wish we coulda pulled it off.

Stealth_81

Maybe we were just lucky. I don't recall ever having to list where the other sibling was going to school, do I don't know how they would know. The financial aid office never asked, either.

Stealth_81

aglages

Had, and currently have the same experience with FAFSA as Stealth-81. Cut the EFC in half for the last two years. FAFSA doesn't ask how many children you are paying to send to college...just how many are currently attending college. I believe I answered the questions truthfully.

Whistle Pig

Legally. While I might have taken advantage, given that opportunity, we all know what the intent is. Let's be "truthful" now. My guess is you'da flunked the test at USNA's honor code. Remember, OJ was determined "not guilty" too. This one is letter vs. spirit of the law, don't you think. Now, what would you tell your Mid to do?

aglages

I wouldn't recommend anyone (of any age) attempt to discern the "intent" of a governmental bureaucratic agency. Answer the questions legally and let them sort out what is relevant. JMPO....

Stealth_81

Just to be sure of my footing, I went to the FAFSA website's helpdesk and asked the question about whether a Service Academy student counted toward the number reported as full-time undergraduate students. The reply was that they are treated no differently than a sibling who gets a full ride to any other school, and they should be counted in the number.

Absolutely no worry there about honor or cheating. The rules were followed as they were intended.

I am not sure what schools you were dealing with WP, but the University of Wisconsin never even questioned us regarding the EFC. They simply received the number from FAFSA and then send us our daughter's aid package for acceptance or refusal. I am sorry that you weren't able to use the extra student for your other child's financial aid.

Stealth_81

aglages

Great info Stealth_81. So much for flunking honor codes and discerning intent as opposed to following the letter of the law.

Whistle Pig

True. In lieu of its spirit and intent. Guess this is the latest version of DADT. Only it's "don't ask ... you'll get an answer you don't want." lol An odd twist on honor, I'd say. I wonder why FAFSA asks that question?

Whistle Pig

But for those really interested in "the letter of the law", the following is from FAFSA:

Sorry folks. We can debate the merits of honor and honesty. Seems in this case, they are fully coincident with the legal requirements of such. As for Stealth_81? Not so "great information." although it might be deemed great wishful thinking. Indeed you did flunk both reading the small print and the honor code, it seems. Let's hope your Mid might teach you how to do it. Seems you were either misled ... or fibbin'. Lemme know if you'd like the toll free number. Ignorance may no longer be pleaded here though, for now you know the truth. And it was as noted in the beginning.

And aglages, I always told mine ... when you don't know, ASK. AND NEVER ASSUME. We readily note where that gets us. Ugh!

And glido, sorry to be the bearer of news you'd have preferred had come from others here. But at least you know the truth and how you're supposed to answer the question. Now, up to you to do the right thing.

glido

Whistle pig: Don't assume I wanted "news to come from others." You should know better.

Whistle Pig

I never "assume" anything. You asked. You got.