FAFSA season brings out a lot of emotions—confusion, stress, and the fear of “doing it wrong.”

Even though the FAFSA is more streamlined than it used to be, families still make avoidable mistakes that can delay aid, reduce eligibility, or cause unnecessary panic.

The good news? Most FAFSA issues are easy to prevent once you know what to watch for.

Here are 7 of the most common FAFSA mistakes families still make—and exactly how to avoid them.

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1. Waiting Too Long to File

The mistake:
Assuming FAFSA deadlines are the same everywhere or thinking “we’ll get to it later.”

Why it matters:
FAFSA is first-come, first-served for many types of aid, especially state and institutional grants.

How to avoid it:
File as soon as you reasonably can—even if you’re waiting on college decisions. You can list multiple schools and update later.

👉 Filing early does not lock you into a school.

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2. Using the Wrong Parent’s Information

The mistake:
Divorced, separated, or remarried families often use the wrong parent on FAFSA.

Why it matters:
FAFSA requires information from the parent who provides the most financial support, not necessarily the one who claims the student on taxes.

How to avoid it:
Before starting, clarify:

• Which parent is considered the FAFSA parent
• Whether a stepparent’s income must be included

This one step alone prevents major delays.

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3. Leaving Fields Blank or Guessing

The mistake:
Skipping questions that seem confusing or guessing numbers to “get through it.”

Why it matters:
Blank or incorrect fields can flag your FAFSA for verification or delay processing.

How to avoid it:
If a question doesn’t apply, use “0” or “Not Applicable” when allowed. When in doubt, pause and look it up rather than guessing.

Accuracy > speed.

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4. Not Using the IRS Data Tool (When Available)

The mistake:
Manually entering tax information when the IRS Data Tool is available.

Why it matters:
Manual entry increases the risk of errors and verification requests.

How to avoid it:
Use the IRS Data Tool whenever possible—it’s faster, more accurate, and reduces follow-up questions from schools.

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5. Assuming Income Automatically Means No Aid

The mistake:
Skipping FAFSA because “we make too much money.”

Why it matters:
Many families who think they won’t qualify still receive:

• Institutional aid
• Merit-based aid
• Work-study options
• Federal loans with better terms

How to avoid it:
Always file FAFSA. Let the schools decide eligibility—not assumptions.

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6. Missing State and School-Specific Deadlines

The mistake:
Submitting FAFSA but missing additional state or college financial-aid deadlines.

Why it matters:
Some aid is awarded only if FAFSA is filed by specific dates—earlier than federal deadlines.

How to avoid it:
Create a simple list of:

• State FAFSA deadlines
• Each school’s priority financial-aid deadline

Put reminders on your calendar.

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7. Forgetting to Check Email and Student Portals

The mistake:
Submitting FAFSA and assuming the job is done.

Why it matters:
Colleges may request:

• Verification documents
• Clarifications
• Additional forms

Missing these emails can delay or reduce aid.

How to avoid it:
Check:

• Student email
• Parent email
• College financial-aid portals regularly

FAFSA is a process—not a one-click task.

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A Final Reassurance for Parents

FAFSA doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to be honest, complete, and on time.

Mistakes are common. Stress is normal. And help is available.

Taking a calm, informed approach now can save weeks of frustration later—and may open the door to more financial support than you expect.