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On the FAFSA #84, it asks this.

If I am completely dependent on my parents and not married, do I put down 0 or 1?

By Morgantruce (Morgantruce) on Friday, January 02, 2004 - 11:03 pm: Edit

You only answer #84 IF you answered "yes" to any question in Step 3.

So if YOU are not married, and don't have children, etc... you are not supposed to be filling out Step 5 (which includes questions 84 and 85)

Understand?

By Myway (Myway) on Saturday, January 03, 2004 - 03:28 pm: Edit

yes, thank you morgantruce

By Lefty (Lefty) on Saturday, January 03, 2004 - 08:01 pm: Edit

Excellent answer by Morgantruce. I will add this- when filling out the FAFSA it is important to READ THE DIRECTIONS!!!!!

By Musicmom (Musicmom) on Saturday, January 03, 2004 - 08:35 pm: Edit

So true....I hope I read them all correctly today. This is our first child applying, so first FAFSA. Did it online in the course of the day today. It is sobering to receive that EFC on the computer screen, isn't it?

By Morgantruce (Morgantruce) on Sunday, January 04, 2004 - 12:07 am: Edit

It "helps" to have a copy of the printed FAFSA form while you are filling out the online version.

"Next year" you will fill out the FAFSA for the second time----and find that it is MUCH easier the second time around! By the time your student is a Senior, you can do it blindfolded.

By Musicmom (Musicmom) on Sunday, January 04, 2004 - 10:03 am: Edit

Thanks for the words of encouragemnet, Morgantruce.
Today, as a reward for having completed the FAFSA yesterday, I get to start on the CSS Profile. Only one of my S's schools require it but, or course, it's his absolute TOP choice!
We really do not make enough money to make all this paperwork worthwhile, I'm thinking.

By Morgantruce (Morgantruce) on Sunday, January 04, 2004 - 10:16 am: Edit

The less money you make, the more worthwhile the paperwork...

Just a wild guess, but you might be surprised to find that that one school that requires the CSS will give you the best financial deal (biggest grant, smallest loan----least out-of-pocket outlay).

By Musicmom (Musicmom) on Sunday, January 04, 2004 - 10:53 am: Edit

I surely hope your guess materializes for us!
We encouraged him to apply to any school he thought he had a shot at, with no editing due to finances. (We did insist he include our state U).
When he collects his acceptances and rejections, and we evaluate the 'packages', our whole family will make that big decision!