Financial Aid Applications
Any one else feeling the 'joy' that comes with filling out finaid apps? The FAFSA isn't available til Jan. 1st but the need access is up now. I started my taxes and I have a new found respect for what my mom does every year. Anyway had to rant...Pleae tell me I'm not alone.
http://www.fafsaonline.com/fafsa-blog/2007/02/05/eligibility-for-independent-student-status/
I know the FAFSA looks at need for the year coming [we're all applying in early '09 for aid to use for the '09-'10 school year], but doesn't the FAFSA make its considerations based on your status at the time of application, and not for the year forward?
For example: I'm applying for grad school [haven't been accepted/enrolled yet], but I a) live with my parental unit and b) said unit is still claiming me as a dependent [including this year, for taxes due in 2009]. I'm still a dependent by tax standards, though I *won't* be for the time that I would need to use the financial aid [being enrolled in grad school].
I don't think there's a surefire way to tell whether a person is "worth" more in tax credit as a dependent or filing as an independent with virtually no income.
For me, I would definitely *qualify* for more types of aid [ooh, hopefully a grant or two, I'm up to my ears in Stafford loans as it is] as an independent...but...without hard numbers, it's hard convincing anyone else.
Finances confuse me.
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The second to last paragraph you wrote makes no sense to me. FAFSA is going to consider you as an independent. You can file your 09 taxes however you want, provided it follows IRS rules.
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