FINANCIAL AID OFFICE

AVOIDING OBSTACLES

What follows is a list of the most common general errors that families make when completing the FAFSA form. 

  • Didn't reapply - must apply each academic year prior to April 15.
  • Signatures missing- student and parent must sign with PINs or submit signature page.
  • Date of birth, Social Security number wrong or did not use legal name - must correct.
  • Female did not indicate gender - must be female to be exempt from Selective Service.
  • Post baccalaureate teacher certification students mark that they are graduate students - for aid purposes these students are undergraduates.
  • Drug question left blank - question must be answered.
  • Orphan/ward of court - student will be asked to provide proof of orphan/ward of court status.
  • Included a parent in the number in college - can only be added by financial aid staff.
  • Included people in the number in family who do not meet criteria - must meet 50% support rule.
  • Dependent student changed marital status - must file FAFSA after the student gets married or will be dependent of parents that award year.
  • BSC not listed - school section should list Buffalo State College - SUNY 002842.
  • Paid someone else to complete the form - assistance in completing the form is available free from any financial aid office.