FAFSA Deadline

[frankm007]

When can I start filling out FAFSA for Fall 06? I suppose i need this completed before applications or as I send applications no?

[A.]

The FAFSA isn't available until January 1st.

[JeffTL]

I have one question to tack on -- do you need to fill out the FAFSA to be eligible for merit-based scholarships?

Thanks!

[A.]

I have one question to tack on -- do you need to fill out the FAFSA to be eligible for merit-based scholarships?

Thanks!

Nope.

[RUSewCrazy]

It can't be filled out until your 2005 tax return is complete. I think you can go ahead and get your pin now though.

[Ceggon]

It can't be filled out until your 2005 tax return is complete. I think you can go ahead and get your pin now though.

Technically it CAN, but you have to put in the estimated numbers and then send them the info with the actually figures once you complete your tax return. The only reason this could be significant is if your school or state has a fafsa filing deadline that is earlier than tax day and you are either a slacker or having paperwork issues. I encountered this during undergrad, so I'd encourage you to at least take a peek at this link http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/before003a.htm. If you have to get it filed before your taxes are done, just estimate and update later. Its a hassle, but you don't miss the filing deadline for your state or school... which can be deadly.

[chrisfield]

How do schools figure your need if you can't even do the FAFSA until the spring?

[mobo]

by jan, you should be able to give a pretty good guesstimate of your financial numbers (total up your pay stubs, or trust fund payments, or sugarmomma/poppa receipts ), a few hundred dollars here or there *shouldn't* make that big a difference in what you are getting from schools. i def would NOT wait until late spring..

[shae]

I have never seen a FAFSA.  Are we required to list the value of trust funds if we are not recieving payments from them?

[mobo]

the fafsa questionnaire might answer that more seriously than i could...since the thought of a trust fund in my own life reduces me to hysterical laughter. i have a better chance of getting into yale. sigh.