When it comes to financial aid, the little details can make a big difference. Here are seven common mistakes to watch for, plus how to keep your application moving forward after you hit submit.
Need a refresher before getting started? Read How to Apply for Financial Aid at the University of Miami for more information on requirements, deadlines, and more!
What are the most common financial aid application mistakes?
1. Listing the wrong person as a parent.
Make sure you're providing information for the appropriate biological or adoptive parent on your financial aid forms. Not sure which parent information to include? The Federal Student Aid guide to reporting parent information and CSS Profile application instructions can help you navigate the requirements.
2. Leaving out income or assets.
Report all income sources and assets, such as savings, properties, or investments. This ensures we get a complete picture of your family's financial situation. Leaving information out or entering "0" can slow down the review process and delay your final financial aid offer.
3. Including family members who aren't dependent on your parents.
Only include individuals who rely on your parents for most of their financial support. For example, you do not need to include a sibling that is financially independent.
4. Forgetting to include stepparent information.
If a biological or adoptive parent has remarried, be sure to include the required information about their spouse.
5. Providing inconsistent personal information.
Make sure your legal name is the same on every form. Include your Social Security number on your Common Application.
6. Misunderstanding the Non-Custodial Parent (NCP) Waiver.
A non-custodial parent is a parent you don't live with most of the time. If you're in contact with that parent, not wanting to share their financial information isn't a valid reason to ask for a waiver. Still unsure what a noncustodial parent is? Check out our glossary of financial aid terms.
7. Giving inconsistent custodial parent information.
Your custodial parent is the parent you live with most of the time. Check that the information about them matches on your FAFSA and CSS Profile.
Remember, a little attention to detail can go a long way! By reviewing your information before submitting and staying on top of requests afterward, you can avoid unnecessary delays and ensure you're considered for all the aid you qualify for.
💡 Register for Financial Aid 101! During this virtual session, an expert financial aid advisor will explain common terms, review the financial aid application process, and share tips to making smart financial decisions.
