<p>I don't know exactly what that is, but I assume it means I'm poor as hell.</p>
<p>Anyways, the real question is, on the tax return form (we didn't have the proper forms, just the turbo tax site thing), it says that we made around $55,000 for the year (combined stepdad and mom), and then it says that we had tax exemptions for 10,500 and a few other things like state taxes so then it said taxable income $33,000</p>
<p>Mom assumed that meant the AGI was $33,000..however I'm not 100% sure on which it should be. Did we do right by it?</p>
<p>No that is not correct - you have reported much too low a figure for your AGI. The AGI is the Adjusted Gross Income which is not the same as taxable income at all. It is your total of all income less certain very limited non taxable items such as health savings account contributions but before standard or itemized deductions or exemptions (which would be $10,500 and the expenses such as State taxes) are deducted from income). You can google IRS form 1040 to see a tax form and figure out how to arrive at the AGI (Adjusted Gross Income). Or have your parents look at last years return to figure it out.</p>
<p>I would expect your EFC to be closer to 5,000 -6,000 unless there are parent assets, in which case it may be higher, depending on the amount of assets.</p>
<p>Eh..it takes away money from the household. Oh well it doesn't matter. I just realized Brown needs to have FAFSA due by freaking February 1st..before we even got the stuff to do it. Screw it. I'm like so close to just not going to college right now. ...........why the hell would they want you to do this crap so freaking early. We didn't even have the stuff to do the freaking papers.</p>
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<p>we didn't have the proper forms, just the turbo tax site thing>></p>
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<p>Did you file your taxes using Turbotax? If so, go back into the site and print out a copy of your tax return. Then use the numbers ON the return that correspond to the ones listed on the FAFSA. When they ask for income...the TELL YOU which line it is on the 2008 tax return. You use whatever number was on that line.</p>
<p>Thanks Thumper, and Swimcatsmom just more general help regarding the situation, if possible.</p>
<p>If my AGI was 51,000 and it went down to only 1 student in college (even though we obviously have to pay for my mom), would my EFC go to above 10,000?</p>
<p>I wouldn't expect it to be as high as 10,000 unless your parents have assets over the protected amounts and/or you have income and assets in your own name.</p>
<p>Thanks..so I think we did it right, other than reporting the wrong money and the wrong amount of people. If you had to estimate, what do you think my EFC will be?</p>
<p>You should just pull yourself together and get that information into Brown as soon as you can. If it's past the deadline, send a letter explaining that the deadline passed before you were aware of it, but send the stuff in anyway. Might not help, but can't hurt.</p>
<p>Also, tip #1: Follow instructions. Like others have already said, the FAFSA form will <em>tell</em> you which line from your and your parents tax return they want you to refer to in answering the questions. If you haven't done your taxes yet, use last year's numbers and estimate the changes. It's all there in the instructions.</p>
<p>You need to remember you're doing this so other people can give YOU money. It's not like some onerous obligation under which you should not suffer.</p>
<p>Given your financial circumstances, your EFC should be pretty low on the FAFSA. That doesn't guarantee you an all-expense-paid trip to college, but it's the first step in finding available aid. Getting the money together is not easy. Most other families are dealing with the same problem.</p>
<p>Also, as swimcatsmom said, you will probably also have to submit the CSS Profile form for most private schools (certainly for Brown), and it will ask more questions. The most notable in your case will be about your biological father's income and assets. That may or may not change the financial aid outlook for you.</p>
<p>It is a hassle to deal with all the paperwork regarding financial aid, but it is FAR less of a hassle than going out and earning every dime of financial aid you might receive as a result. </p>
<p>Oh I've already did most of those things. I've done the FAFSA, and will make corrections as soon as possible. However, you have to understand I did these things with my mother's guidance, and she was "sure" that she was right in the matter, which she turned out to be wrong in but whatever.</p>
<p>Also I have sent in an email to both Brown and University of Rochester. They replied that as long as I get it in as soon as possible I won't be "punished" for not turning it in on time. I sent an additional email thanking them for the understanding and patience. I also talked to the woman that interviewed me for Brown for her advice. </p>
<p>I'm working on getting the funds together for the CSS Profile. I'm going to fill it out when my mother gets home, so I'm sure I'll be able to afford at least $9. I'm hoping for waivers like it says on the site, if you are poor enough you can get a waiver. If not, I'll possibly be able to get the $32 together to pay for Rochester and Brown at least. Thinking of selling my new mp3 player to pay for the rest. </p>
<p>Thanks for all of your help. I'm relieved now, because I was incredibly overwhelmed and frustrated before all your help came in.</p>