<p>Im so unsure about this process. I have to decide by this weekend because my deadline is Feb 15 and I probably should just call financial aid office. But I figured Id try to post first. My family did not file their taxes yet but we have W2 forms. They pretty much keep me in the dark with finances but I know that income has been low lately. So my question is on the FAFSFA is it better to leave info incomplete (since we havent filed, my father is out of the country and has most economic info) or is it better to estimate (like my guidance counselor said)? Which is worse? If I leave info out or incomplete I could get less money because they do not know my situation. If I estimate I could under or over estimate and they could give me too much money, money that upon verification I will have to give up? I am so unsure about the process.</p>
<p>Definitely estimate! </p>
<p>If you have an incomplete form, they will not process it and you could lose out on money. My advice would be to estimate slightly in favor of getting too much money and having your FA lowered when you have the final numbers. The thing to understand is that FA is given out on a first come, first served basis, so if you wait you may miss everything, and if you underestimate, there may not be any more money left for this year when you have final numbers.</p>
<p>Please try to get your parents more involved in the process, it can be complicated and is difficult for students to fully understand. Take a look at finaid.com it's a great website and can answer many basic question.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>