<p>Hi,</p>
<p>So the deadline for FAFSA for most of my colleges is Feb. 15, but my parents won't be able to file their taxes in time. My question is, why is it better to send in estimates first and then correcting it later rather than waiting till you have the actual information to fill it out? Colleges can't just start giving you financial aid if they know your info isn't completely accurate, right?</p>
<p>thanks</p>
<p>They can’t give you aid, but they can give you an estimate, and the accuracy of that estimate will depend on the accuracy of your own estimates when filling out the FAFSA. If nothing else, it gives them a ballpark figure to work with, so they know if you are likely to be very needy, or just somewhat needy. Then they can use the information to see where they want to spend different resources.</p>
<p>Also, some types of funding are limited . . . so there can be a very real advantage to getting your FAFSA in sooner, rather than later. Your estimated FAFSA will “hold your place” until your exact numbers are available.</p>