<p>Okay, so I recently became a single mother in September. The fall semester had already started so I did not qualify for any financial aid that may have been awarded to me as a single mother. However, I have now fixed my FAFSA so that it includes this new information. I was given an automatic zero with an asterick (sp?) next to it. I'm not really sure what it means. The only information I have received is that it will now be sent for verification to the University I am attending. If you have any information, that would be very helpful. Thank You.</p>
<p>Congrats on becoming a Mom! :)</p>
<p>You filed as an independent student, right? You could have filed as independent (due to having a child you provide for) even while you were pregnant.</p>
<p>Zero EFC means the FAFSA formula calculated that you have no money available to contribute to your college education. This doesn’t mean that you won’t have to contribute, however-- it’s just a starting point for the college to use to assess your need.</p>
<p>The asterisk means you’ve been selected for verification. Not a big thing-- or a bad thing, so long as the info you submitted is correct. Happens to lots of applicants. Your college will likely ask you to submit tax returns to verify against the info you put into the FAFSA.</p>
<p>Your college should make you a financial aid offer-- to make up most of the Cost of Attendance (tuition, books, miscellaneous expenses, and room & board). This will probably include grants (the best since you don’t have to pay them back), student loans (subsidized is better than non-subsidized), and maybe work study.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Adding something about verification here. Not a hassle at all. The school will send you paperwork to fill out and ask for copies of tax returns. You send it back and you are all set.</p>