<p>"Chances are most families are going to make mistakes when completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. These mistakes can be costly, and may even keep you from receiving the financial assistance for which you qualify.</p>
<p>Here are 10 tips to help you successfully complete the FAFSA …</p>
<p>… 1. Don’t provide retirement assets</p>
<p>Families can dramatically hurt their chances for financial aid if they include assets from their 401(k) plans, Individual Retirement Accounts, 403(b) and other qualified retirement accounts on the FAFSA. The financial aid form only requires that you share non-retirement assets. </p>
<p>… 6. List the most current marital status</p>
<p>You need to provide your marital status – divorced, separated or married – on the day that the FAFSA is filed. Separated and divorced parents will sometimes enjoy a financial aid advantage. </p>
<p>… 8. Avoid blank answers</p>
<p>If the answer to a question is zero or not applicable, write ‘0’ or “Not Applicable” on the online form. Leaving blank answers can cause miscalculations. </p>
<p>… 10. Don’t inflate your education</p>
<p>Plenty of schools will give applicants brownie points if they are considered first-generation college students. If parents didn’t graduate from college, select ‘high school’ as the highest education attainment …"</p>
<p>[10</a> tips for getting federal student aid - CBS News](<a href=“http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505145_162-57333199/10-tips-for-getting-federal-student-aid/]10”>http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505145_162-57333199/10-tips-for-getting-federal-student-aid/)</p>