FAFSA and Deferal

[gazelle]

I know they recommend filling out a FAFSA as soon as possible after the new year begins, but should I be waiting until I get accepted to grad school first?

Also, if I'm planning on deferring grad school, do I even need to fill one out or just wait until next year?

[readyforachange]

No - don't wait to get accepted. Fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible and have it sent to all schools to which you've applied. Many schools have early FAFSA deadlines for full consideration of awards, and it's best to meet these deadlines (some of them are even due as early as February).

If you're planning on deferring, I still don't think it would hurt to fill out a FAFSA. It's free and only takes a bit of your time. This way, once you've filled it out this year, you will know what your expected family contribution is, and potential financial aid packages from the schools of your accepted programs. Look at it this way: if you plan to defer and fill out the FAFSA, you will have a whole year to look and apply for outside funding if you feel your program and school packages aren't enough. Basically, it all comes down to planning and knowing what your options are/could be. Good luck!

[Venetia]

OK, I'm an American student but have never lived or studied there, so please bear with me!

This whole FAFSA thing has me really confused. Do I have to fill it out? I've applied for programs that automatically give funding to all their accepted students, so am not sure if they require the FAFSA. Plus my Dad makes quite a bit (I remember he was over the limit for getting me financial aid when I was applying for undergrads), so would it affect my chances of fellowships if that was listed? I'm not getting greedy about money, he won't be supporting me! Is the FAFSA a must for the application process? I'm trying to work this all out now, as it seems as if it should be done soon. Thanks for any help you can offer!

[rising_star]

You're considered an independent student for graduate school so your dad's income is not a factor. Depending on the program, you may find that the stipend amount is not enough for you to comfortably live on. Filling out the FAFSA will make you eligible for Federal subsidized loans, which means the government pays the interest that would accrue while you are in school.

[Venetia]

You're considered an independent student for graduate school so your dad's income is not a factor. Depending on the program, you may find that the stipend amount is not enough for you to comfortably live on. Filling out the FAFSA will make you eligible for Federal subsidized loans, which means the government pays the interest that would accrue while you are in school.

But the FAFSA says that it considers me a dependent? So don't I have to submit all his stuff anyway? And does it need to be sent to the schools? Sorry, yet more questions!

[readyforachange]

But the FAFSA says that it considers me a dependent? So don't I have to submit all his stuff anyway? And does it need to be sent to the schools? Sorry, yet more questions!

Go to this link: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/FOTWWebApp/fotw1011/WorksheetServlet?locale=en_US&wstype=WSDEP and it will tell you if you are considered independent or dependent. Since you will be beginning a graduate program, though, the FAFSA will consider you an independent - which would mean you would not use your father's information to fill out the FAFSA.

Basically, you'll fill out the form with all of your information and then at the end you can choose to send it to different schools - usually all of the ones to which you've applied. You will be able to look up the school codes then (at the end of the FAFSA) and it will automatically be sent to each school. Hope this helps clarify!