That's a really good idea. Is it possible to do that? Boalt is the only school that I applied to that requests parental info on the fafsa, can I process with the other schools then when I go in to add Boalt add the parental info so it only gets sent there?NZA wrote: Alas, Boalt requires parents' incomes on the FAFSA, which means I have to include it for all my schools. Well, I guess theoretically I could file one with no parental income, then wait until the FAFSAs were submitted, then go back and do the ones that require parental income when I have it?
FAFSA Forum
-
- Posts: 42
- Joined: Tue Nov 09, 2010 2:44 pm
Re: FAFSA
- arism87
- Posts: 1310
- Joined: Sat Sep 04, 2010 7:46 pm
Re: FAFSA
+1 (tagged)cmk wrote:That's a really good idea. Is it possible to do that? Boalt is the only school that I applied to that requests parental info on the fafsa, can I process with the other schools then when I go in to add Boalt add the parental info so it only gets sent there?NZA wrote: Alas, Boalt requires parents' incomes on the FAFSA, which means I have to include it for all my schools. Well, I guess theoretically I could file one with no parental income, then wait until the FAFSAs were submitted, then go back and do the ones that require parental income when I have it?
- LegallyBlonde923
- Posts: 261
- Joined: Thu Feb 04, 2010 8:35 pm
Re: FAFSA
I would say fill it in, if you're broke like me. Nothing says "I need a loan" like stating your assets as <$1,000.bb8900 wrote:When is says "do you want to skip questions about your assets"
should I skip this or should I fill this in? What gives me a better chance to get money, especially since I have very little in assets?
-
- Posts: 1564
- Joined: Sun Jul 26, 2009 7:41 pm
Re: FAFSA
Some schools say "XYZ school- dental " or med but for LS is it just the UG school name?krad wrote:Woo, submitted my FAFSA today with 2009 W-2 info.
What did everyone choose for the 10 schools, your top 10? Some of mine are big reaches (optimistic ha), so I'm assuming I can go in and change those after I find out some admissions decisions...?
Or do some/all specify law?
Thanks.
Want to continue reading?
Register now to search topics and post comments!
Absolutely FREE!
Already a member? Login
-
- Posts: 557
- Joined: Tue Nov 02, 2010 11:58 am
Re: FAFSA
It depends. When in doubt, go to the law school's financial aid website, and they should list their FAFSA code on there somewhere. Most just share the code with the undergraduate institution.JJDancer wrote:Some schools say "XYZ school- dental " or med but for LS is it just the UG school name?krad wrote:Woo, submitted my FAFSA today with 2009 W-2 info.
What did everyone choose for the 10 schools, your top 10? Some of mine are big reaches (optimistic ha), so I'm assuming I can go in and change those after I find out some admissions decisions...?
Or do some/all specify law?
Thanks.
-
- Posts: 10751
- Joined: Sat Dec 19, 2009 4:32 pm
Re: FAFSA
You will have to fill out NeedAccess (needaccess.org) for most top schools, on which parental info is required no matter what age/independent status you are.cmk wrote:That's a really good idea. Is it possible to do that? Boalt is the only school that I applied to that requests parental info on the fafsa, can I process with the other schools then when I go in to add Boalt add the parental info so it only gets sent there?NZA wrote: Alas, Boalt requires parents' incomes on the FAFSA, which means I have to include it for all my schools. Well, I guess theoretically I could file one with no parental income, then wait until the FAFSAs were submitted, then go back and do the ones that require parental income when I have it?
Need-based aid is a myth unless you go to HYS or are extremely poor. Be prepared for a package of loans with multiple 0's.
-
- Posts: 10751
- Joined: Sat Dec 19, 2009 4:32 pm
Re: FAFSA
If you have to fill out NeedAccess for your school, you will have to answer the asset question. They use assets to calculate your expected contribution, so they will require it. Schools have different formulas but they pretty much all expect you to convert a % of your asset into cash and pay toward your education. So while you may skip it on FAFSA, you will have to disclose in other forms (hence the need for NeedAccess because contribution is calculated different for professional grad schools than UG/Fed student aid)bb8900 wrote:When is says "do you want to skip questions about your assets"
should I skip this or should I fill this in? What gives me a better chance to get money, especially since I have very little in assets?
-
- Posts: 10751
- Joined: Sat Dec 19, 2009 4:32 pm
Re: FAFSA
Stafford tops out at $20500 I think. $8000 subsidized (no interest while in school), $12500 non-subsidized (6.8% I think, starting from disbursement, added to principle). Some schools offer another $4000 in Perkins, the rest in PLUS loans. PLUS loans are a little higher (don't remember the rate right now), and the repayment starts AS SOON AS the last disbursement. If you get enough aid to stay under $25k it's ideal so you won't have to go through PLUS. I am skating right under that for grad school, it's nice not having PLUS, yet.AreJay711 wrote:While I don't doubt that almost no one gets need based grants, can't you Stafford loans at a reduced interest rate?
-
- Posts: 10751
- Joined: Sat Dec 19, 2009 4:32 pm
Re: FAFSA
You can update the target schools so it will be made available for more schools. Or you can just go ahead and send it to all the schools that you are applying to. As a matter of fact most school ask you to fill out FAFSA and NeedAccess without waiting for acceptances so it won't delay processing.Deuce wrote:Can you re-send it to schools after completing it? Say, I fill it out now, but get in to X school in the next month?
- bistduverrueckt
- Posts: 238
- Joined: Tue Jul 13, 2010 5:18 pm
Re: FAFSA
I know the general rule for FAFSA (minus schools that explicitly say to include parental info) is just to include one's on info but is parental information required in every school's case if the student filing is a dependent of the parent's?
Basically I'm still in undergrad so my parents have one more year to claim me as their dependent since I don't graduate until May which means I won't be filing taxes as an independent in 2011. Would I need to include parental info on my FAFSA even if they won't assist me monetarily in anyway for law school?
Basically I'm still in undergrad so my parents have one more year to claim me as their dependent since I don't graduate until May which means I won't be filing taxes as an independent in 2011. Would I need to include parental info on my FAFSA even if they won't assist me monetarily in anyway for law school?
Register now!
Resources to assist law school applicants, students & graduates.
It's still FREE!
Already a member? Login
-
- Posts: 10751
- Joined: Sat Dec 19, 2009 4:32 pm
Re: FAFSA
If you are under 30 most if not all schools will require parental info either on FAFSA or NeedAccess and you probably will have to submit their tax returns to the school for verification. It isn't about what they are helping you with, it is about what the schools count as their help to you. Just as they will count a part of your asset against your financial aid eligibility even though you may not be actually cashing in your assets to pay for school.bistduverrueckt wrote:I know the general rule for FAFSA (minus schools that explicitly say to include parental info) is just to include one's on info but is parental information required in every school's case if the student filing is a dependent of the parent's?
Basically I'm still in undergrad so my parents have one more year to claim me as their dependent since I don't graduate until May which means I won't be filing taxes as an independent in 2011. Would I need to include parental info on my FAFSA even if they won't assist me monetarily in anyway for law school?
- arism87
- Posts: 1310
- Joined: Sat Sep 04, 2010 7:46 pm
Re: FAFSA
They will ask for tax returns?r6_philly wrote:If you are under 30 most if not all schools will require parental info either on FAFSA or NeedAccess and you probably will have to submit their tax returns to the school for verification. It isn't about what they are helping you with, it is about what the schools count as their help to you. Just as they will count a part of your asset against your financial aid eligibility even though you may not be actually cashing in your assets to pay for school.bistduverrueckt wrote:I know the general rule for FAFSA (minus schools that explicitly say to include parental info) is just to include one's on info but is parental information required in every school's case if the student filing is a dependent of the parent's?
Basically I'm still in undergrad so my parents have one more year to claim me as their dependent since I don't graduate until May which means I won't be filing taxes as an independent in 2011. Would I need to include parental info on my FAFSA even if they won't assist me monetarily in anyway for law school?
Ok, so if I am to include "parent information" (despite filing as an independent and being out of school) I not only need my PARENTS' info, but their entire households'? (aka, my stepmom and stepdad?) So although my mom has no job and no assets, but I will have to put my stepdad's assets (aka, trust funds set up for my stepbrothers that I'll never see a penny of)? I will also have to put my stepmom's assets (who is MY AGE and obviously is nothing like a mother and has never supported me..?) I assume that since they file jointly this is necessary.
Just clarifying, I'm home for the weekend to fill this stuff out.
I knew my weird ass family would come back to haunt me.
-
- Posts: 1001
- Joined: Fri Jun 25, 2010 5:59 pm
Re: FAFSA
Ugh I don't know how they expect this stuff to get done by Feb 1st. My mom hasn't gotten her tax info yet and didn't even file taxes last year... What a pain. Can I do estimates and send it off and then adjust it when she finally gets around to doing her taxes this year?
-
- Posts: 10751
- Joined: Sat Dec 19, 2009 4:32 pm
Re: FAFSA
I am sending estimates so I can get the FAFSA and NeedAccess to schools, so they can process my aid app in the first wave. Since IRS won't even accept itemized returns until 2/14 (so there is no way to file taxes by 2/1 for many people), I think it's reasonable to just use estimates to make the deadline.sarahlawg wrote:Ugh I don't know how they expect this stuff to get done by Feb 1st. My mom hasn't gotten her tax info yet and didn't even file taxes last year... What a pain. Can I do estimates and send it off and then adjust it when she finally gets around to doing her taxes this year?
Get unlimited access to all forums and topics
Register now!
I'm pretty sure I told you it's FREE...
Already a member? Login
-
- Posts: 1001
- Joined: Fri Jun 25, 2010 5:59 pm
Re: FAFSA
thanks for the info. how do you estimate the US income tax paid? it says not to copy the federal income tax withheld, but if my mom has no other forms of income, is that number okay to use?r6_philly wrote:I am sending estimates so I can get the FAFSA and NeedAccess to schools, so they can process my aid app in the first wave. Since IRS won't even accept itemized returns until 2/14 (so there is no way to file taxes by 2/1 for many people), I think it's reasonable to just use estimates to make the deadline.sarahlawg wrote:Ugh I don't know how they expect this stuff to get done by Feb 1st. My mom hasn't gotten her tax info yet and didn't even file taxes last year... What a pain. Can I do estimates and send it off and then adjust it when she finally gets around to doing her taxes this year?
-
- Posts: 10751
- Joined: Sat Dec 19, 2009 4:32 pm
Re: FAFSA
You can look up the tax table in the 1040 General Instruction booklet. Basically your AGI - anticipated credits is your taxable income in the table. You can estimate using standard deductions. I think I will end up paying less since they extended the sales tax deduction but IRS didn't have time to add it back in the form, that's why we can't file until they modify their system. It probably wouldn't matter so much though, if you don't make enough and you deserve need aid, the difference will be very little.sarahlawg wrote:thanks for the info. how do you estimate the US income tax paid? it says not to copy the federal income tax withheld, but if my mom has no other forms of income, is that number okay to use?r6_philly wrote:I am sending estimates so I can get the FAFSA and NeedAccess to schools, so they can process my aid app in the first wave. Since IRS won't even accept itemized returns until 2/14 (so there is no way to file taxes by 2/1 for many people), I think it's reasonable to just use estimates to make the deadline.sarahlawg wrote:Ugh I don't know how they expect this stuff to get done by Feb 1st. My mom hasn't gotten her tax info yet and didn't even file taxes last year... What a pain. Can I do estimates and send it off and then adjust it when she finally gets around to doing her taxes this year?
- whathojeeves
- Posts: 489
- Joined: Wed Dec 15, 2010 5:39 pm
Re: FAFSA
So this has nothing to do with actually filling out the FAFSA, but I just checked my SAR and apparently it doesn't think I'm a US citizen based on my SSN. Should I just contact every financial aid office and offer to send them all a copy of my passport ? Any ideas anyone?
I'm still waiting on decisions from several places so it seems weird to send them paperwork before they potentially ding me; on the other hand, I don't want to get screwed over for aid because they can't process my FAFSA correctly/quickly.
R6? You've always got good suggestions!
I'm still waiting on decisions from several places so it seems weird to send them paperwork before they potentially ding me; on the other hand, I don't want to get screwed over for aid because they can't process my FAFSA correctly/quickly.
R6? You've always got good suggestions!
Last edited by whathojeeves on Tue Feb 01, 2011 9:17 am, edited 1 time in total.
-
- Posts: 10751
- Joined: Sat Dec 19, 2009 4:32 pm
Re: FAFSA
Yup, you have to give them copies of your passport. I still have to do this even though I went to SSA and got a new SSN card. It still shows that I am a non-citizen.whathojeeves wrote:So this has nothing to do with actually filling out the FAFSA, but I just checked my SAR and apparently it doesn't think I'm a US citizen based on my SSN (I was naturalized in college). Should I just contact every financial aid office and offer to send them all a copy of my passport or naturalization paperwork? Any ideas anyone?
I'm still waiting on decisions from several places so it seems weird to send them paperwork before they potentially ding me; on the other hand, I don't want to get screwed over for aid because they can't process my FAFSA correctly/quickly.
R6? You've always got good suggestions!
Send FAFSA/NeedAccess to everyone, they actually ask you to not wait for admissions decisions at several schools.
Communicate now with those who not only know what a legal education is, but can offer you worthy advice and commentary as you complete the three most educational, yet challenging years of your law related post graduate life.
Register now, it's still FREE!
Already a member? Login
- whathojeeves
- Posts: 489
- Joined: Wed Dec 15, 2010 5:39 pm
Re: FAFSA
Yup, already sent both to everyone. Just wasn't sure about sending the additional stuff. Will ring them all today and see if they want it faxed/emailed/pigeon-mailed.r6_philly wrote:Yup, you have to give them copies of your passport. I still have to do this even though I went to SSA and got a new SSN card. It still shows that I am a non-citizen.whathojeeves wrote:So this has nothing to do with actually filling out the FAFSA, but I just checked my SAR and apparently it doesn't think I'm a US citizen based on my SSN (I was naturalized in college). Should I just contact every financial aid office and offer to send them all a copy of my passport or naturalization paperwork? Any ideas anyone?
I'm still waiting on decisions from several places so it seems weird to send them paperwork before they potentially ding me; on the other hand, I don't want to get screwed over for aid because they can't process my FAFSA correctly/quickly.
R6? You've always got good suggestions!
Send FAFSA/NeedAccess to everyone, they actually ask you to not wait for admissions decisions at several schools.
Good to know that getting a new card doesn't circumvent this. Blah.
-
- Posts: 10751
- Joined: Sat Dec 19, 2009 4:32 pm
Re: FAFSA
You can preempt it by making a PDF of your passport scan and attach it when you email finaid offices. I don't even wait for verification now, I know the drill, so I just give it to them right off the bat.whathojeeves wrote:
Yup, already sent both to everyone. Just wasn't sure about sending the additional stuff. Will ring them all today and see if they want it faxed/emailed/pigeon-mailed.
Good to know that getting a new card doesn't circumvent this. Blah.
I did the card change 2 schools ago. But every year, it still shows up. I am not sure where they get the verification info from, because SSA swears it's updated.
Seriously? What are you waiting for?
Now there's a charge.
Just kidding ... it's still FREE!
Already a member? Login