<p>hm07 - I think we do all understand what is ticking you off - because it affects us all in one way or another. In our case our son took a year off school and is now going back (hooray) but his year off kills his EFC because 50% of his income is expected to go to college. It all went on rent and food. Our income is low and medical insurance and bills probably ate up over 25% of that income last year - but FAFSA does not take that into accoun. So No - the system is not perfect or neccessarily fair. But I think it was your reiteration of not caring about whether it was ethical or right that pushed some buttons - mine included.</p>
<p>If you need a good source of information for filling out FAFSA this is the most helpful place I have found</p>
<p>click on 'the application questions' on the top right and it takes you through question by question. I did not grow up in this country - but I am a little ;) older than 18. Can't imagine my 17 or 20 year old wading through theses forms on their own.</p>