<p>Does an estimate slow down or in any way adversely affect FA? Can you get an official bonafide FA award by teh promised time from estimates?</p>
<p>I am still waiting on some papers, but I believe the deadline is 2/1, right?</p>
<p>File the FAFSA and in the drop down box it says “will file” vs. “have filed”…it’s fine to use “will file”.</p>
<p>You don’t have to submit the IRS1040 now-- that isn’t due until later.</p>
<p>Just send in the W2s for parents and student and get the FAFSA done. It takes less than 30 minutes.</p>
<p>Don’t miss a deadline on financial aid at CMU or elsewhere-- it can be used as grounds to deny giving you any financial aid.</p>
<p>OK, thanks. Do you know if the college can give out FA from estimates? OR would the final stuff have to eventually be done in a final manner ?</p>
<p>Do the FAFSA as accurately as possible. You will get a FA estimate. Nothing will be final until copies of the tax forms are sent. If you underestimate on the FAFSA you will see that the FA will change and you will get less. This also works the other way. If you have overestimated you will likely get more FA.</p>
<p>They will plan based on your W2s (which you have to send by the deadline) and give you a package contingent upon verification. From CMU’s end- verification is the completed 1040 tax form.</p>
<p>You may end up being one of the 1% of FAFSA filers verified by FAFSA-- which is independent of anything CMU does. (See the verification threads in the CC Financial Aid forums for more info.)</p>
<p>You cannot “game” the system (not that the OP was implying that). The package is only an estimate. When actual numbers are received the package is then finalized as bossr noted.</p>
<p>Intentionally falsifying FAFSA documents is a federal crime and filing incorrect CMU packages can result in loss of the entire package.
That’s why you check the box that says “will file” and then submit copies of your actual and completed tax form later (it can be submitted up to May-ish).</p>
<p>If accepted, you want to make your decision based on an accurate financial aid package from all schools- so make sure you have all your W2s and bank statements when you submit your FAFSA to gain an accurate EFC. </p>
<p>CMU is no different from anyone else-- freshman submit FAFSA by Feb 1 or 15…and W2s. If you accept an offer of admission, schools require your completed tax forms by May.</p>
<p>CMU is also requiring a CSS Profile this year - -don’t overlook that document as well.</p>
<p>Continuing students (upperclassmen) have until April-ish to complete things.</p>
<p>deadline for FAFSA is 2/15.</p>
<p>although that is also the deadline for the CSS and a other docs, so get FAFSA done pretty quick here so that its processed in time.</p>
<p>Agree you don’t want to be last in line when they are giving out the apples.</p>
<p>Reality, the start on the financial aid awards in February for those admitted-- and there’s just so much grant money vs. work study/loans…right?<br>
Don’t get stuck submitting your financial aid stuff in late March --or very likely you get a less than wonderful package.
Remember-- CMU is NOT a “meet your demonstrated need” school. Sadly for those of us selling our blood (not really), driving old cars and eating eggs for dinner!
Everyone gets a fair and equal chance at the money-- but if there’s some crazy delay in your FAFSA/taxes etc. they cannot give you grant money.
Clearly anyone coming of the wait list is not getting as strong a package in May as someone who gets a package in the first round.</p>
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<p>Some of us have no shame about selling our plasma to buy a Snickers at Entropy.</p>
<p>Also, scrambled eggs + ramen = ??? —> dinner</p>
<p>Just some tips for you kids who don’t get all of your financial need met. ;)</p>