I accidentally labeled myself as an independent student instead of dependent! However I still put down the tax return info of my parents. My form is processing now! I heard I can make the correction after it’s done processing, is it true?! I’m freaking out!
Yes, you can fix it once it’s been processed. Hmm I’m confused though, I don’t think you can label yourself as dependent/independent. The app does that for you, based on other info you enter.
@Lilliana330 Oh thank goodness! But the questions were so confusing. They asked how any people are in my household. I included me, my sister and my parents. So I wrote four, then they said I’m an independent student. So weird.
Wait, so it considered you an independent student but still asked for your parent’s tax info? That’s weird
@irlandaise Some states ask for parent information but the FAFSA calculation doesn’t use it. This happens for independent students. There are 14 such states.
You need to check all the fields once your FAFSA is processed. Make sure that you accurately answered the questions asking about guardianship, marriage, age, etc. My guess is you entered one of those incorrectly as well.
No problem…once it is processed, just fix it
My D is in med school. When doing her FAFSA, it considered her Independent, but recommended providing parental info as med schools want that.
My son is in grad school, also independent, but since he is not in med school we didn’t provide parental info.
Finally, re: household size, since they are both independent it wouldn’t let us save the form unless the entries were consistent with being Independent.
@HyperArtist12: how did you answer the questions which determine whether you are independent?
Are you a high school senior, with no children of your own, living with your natural/step parents?
Here is a link that outline the questions that determine Independent status:
Many students say yes to the dependent question or yes to the guardianship question by mistake. It’s not an issue - simply review the info & make the necessary changes when your current transaction has processed. You will need both your PIN and a parent PIN to resubmit.
I was considered an independent student and they have me an option on whether or not I should provide financial info based on my parents tax returns. I said yes and filled it out. Also I don’t remember what I did wrong I said I was single with no children, I said there are four people including me in the household, then bam I’m independent. Yes I’m a senior in high school. I’ll check my fafsa out once it’s done processing.