<p>My son has is a senior and has applied to several schools. Like lots of you, we have our fingers crossed. However, he intends to defer for a year and enter college in the fall of 2013. My question is this: do I have to fill out FAFSA and all the other forms, if we know that he is going to defer? Can I just fill them out next year before his true freshman year?</p>
<p>If it were me, I would complete the FAFSA. It will give you a sense of the extent of your need based aid at the school(s). Also a lot can change…and what if he decides NOT to defer?</p>
<p>I agree with Thumper. If it were me I’d want to understand how the colleges would view our financial situation and what the expected costs might be. And I’d want to know this year whether or not there was a possibility of deferral. FAFSA is quick and easy once your paperwork is done for taxes whether or not you have actually filed. I think my all time record was under a half hour and we have investment “stuff.” Everything you need to know comes in the year end statements and paperwork. If all you have is W-2s and typical retirement vehicles it can even be quicker.</p>
<p>Both my kids deferred- older daughter added another school the next year that met 100% of need, as our need was about the price of instate public school. I don’t know if she would have otherwise.
(Younger daughter didn’t want to do any additional apps)
It doesn’t take long & it gives you good info.</p>
<p>What is the reason for the year deferral?</p>
<p>You might as well fill it out. It will tell you what your EFC is.</p>
<p>Are the schools all 'FAFSA only" schools? Do any of them require CSS Profile?</p>