FAFSA: Estimate or Wait?

<p>I know that the FAFSA and PROFILE aren't due until April, but I figured that it's probably better to get them in sooner rather than later. I haven't filled mine out because my parents are getting our taxes done in the middle/end of February. I feel like that's too long to wait to fill anything out. Should I just fill out an estimate, then? Would it benefit me at all, or would I not qualify or have any definite financial aid until I updated with this year's tax information?</p>

<p>Thank you, kindly :]</p>

<p>You’re supposed to use your 2009 information and update it when you file your 2010 tax returns :)</p>

<p>

That’s not true. Many schools have filing deadline long before that. The money will be all gone if you wait to file in April.</p>

<p>Thanks :] Forgive my ignorance.</p>

<p>The CSS was supposed to be filed as soon as possible after Oct.1st. So file it RIGHT NOW! The Fafsa should ideally be filed by about Feb. 15 at UMich if you’re in state because it takes a few weeks to process and UMich needs it by MARCH 1ST to give the MAXIMUM AID including state $. I would attempt to estimate it and then quickly update for FAFSA if you’re expecting much aid. You can use your parents’ rough worksheets and check the box “will file.”</p>

<p>Do NOT wait until April. There just may not be much discretionary aid left by then.</p>

<p>Well, I wasn’t planning on waiting until April. I just didn’t know if it was a good idea to wait until my parents got the taxes done next month. But thank you for the info! I’m working on filling the stuff out with my dad tonight :]</p>