<p>I’m really nervous about the financial aid deadline (March 1). My parents still haven’t filed their taxes for 2009, so I can’t complete the IDOC. I don’t want my parents irresponsibility to reflect me. I am very responsible, and have been reminding them daily, but they think they have better things to worry about. Do you think Rice will frown upon me because of my parents’ lack of responsibility? Also, do you know if I can just send in my 2008 tax information? I haven’t been accepted (I applied RD).
Thanks.</p>
<p>Financial Aid deadlines are generally soft deadlines. That means that they will not punish you for not submitting them… but they do require them by then if you expect to get a financial aid estimate on your admission package.</p>
<p>Otherwise, send it ASAP. You will get your financial aid package eventually… though the idea behind these deadlines is that fin aid will influence what college you will ultimately attend.</p>
<p>Your parents do not have to have filed their taxes yet. You can do it based on estimated information. You then submit the final when the taxes are done. There is a later deadline for that. </p>
<p>Go to the FAFSA web site for info. It is important to get it done by the deadline to be considered for need and merit money with your acceptances. Go over to the financial aid forums for more specific information. [Financial</a> Aid & Scholarships - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/]Financial”>Financial Aid and Scholarships - College Confidential Forums)</p>