Top Mistakes to Avoid on Your 2025–26 FAFSA Application: Applying for financial aid can be overwhelming, but the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the most important step in securing grants, scholarships, federal student loans, and work-study opportunities. The FAFSA for the 2025–26 academic year opens on December 1, 2024, and submitting it correctly and on time is crucial to maximizing your financial aid. Unfortunately, many students and parents make avoidable mistakes that can delay processing, reduce their aid eligibility, or even disqualify them from receiving financial assistance. This guide will walk you through common FAFSA mistakes and how to avoid them, ensuring you get the most financial aid possible.
Top Mistakes to Avoid on Your 2025–26 FAFSA Application
Completing the FAFSA correctly and on time is critical for maximizing your financial aid. By avoiding common mistakes such as missing deadlines, using incorrect tax info, and forgetting to sign, you can increase your chances of receiving grants, loans, and scholarships. Don’t delay—apply as early as possible to secure your share of financial aid.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| FAFSA Open Date | December 1, 2024 |
| Federal Deadline | June 30, 2026 (State and college deadlines may be earlier) |
| FSA ID Requirement | Both students and parents (if applicable) need an FSA ID |
| Common FAFSA Errors | Missing deadlines, incorrect tax info, leaving blanks, not listing enough schools |
| IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) | Helps import tax info directly into FAFSA for accuracy |
| Number of Schools You Can List | Up to 20 colleges/universities |
| FAFSA Website | studentaid.gov |
Top Mistakes to Avoid on Your 2025–26 FAFSA Application
1. Not Submitting the FAFSA at All
Many students assume they won’t qualify for aid and skip the FAFSA entirely. This is a costly mistake. Even if you don’t think you’re eligible for need-based aid, many scholarships, merit-based grants, and even some private loans require a completed FAFSA.
Additionally, many colleges use FAFSA information to award institutional aid, meaning that skipping it could result in thousands of dollars left on the table.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Always complete the FAFSA, regardless of your family’s income.
- Some financial aid is first come, first served, so apply as soon as possible.
- Even if you don’t qualify for grants, you may still be eligible for low-interest federal loans and work-study programs.
2. Missing FAFSA Deadlines
The FAFSA opens on December 1, 2024, but deadlines vary depending on the school and state. Federal aid applications must be submitted by June 30, 2026, but state and institutional deadlines can be much earlier.
For example, many state grant programs have priority deadlines in early 2025. If you apply late, you may miss out on thousands of dollars in grants.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Submit your FAFSA as early as possible—preferably in December or January.
- Check state-specific FAFSA deadlines at studentaid.gov.
- Set calendar reminders for your college-specific deadlines.
3. Not Creating an FSA ID in Advance
An FSA ID is required to electronically sign and submit your FAFSA. Both the student and a parent (if applicable) must have their own separate FSA IDs.
Without an FSA ID, you may face delays in submitting your application.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Create your FSA ID at least one week before starting your FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
- Store your username and password securely to prevent login issues.
4. Entering Incorrect Personal Information
Small errors—such as misspelling your name, entering the wrong Social Security Number (SSN), or using a nickname instead of your legal name—can lead to application rejection or delays.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card.
- Double-check your SSN, date of birth, and mailing address before submitting.
5. Not Using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT)
The IRS DRT allows you to import your 2023 tax return directly into your FAFSA, reducing errors and speeding up the process.
Manually entering tax information increases the chance of mistakes, which can trigger income verification delays.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- When prompted on the FAFSA, use the IRS DRT to autofill your tax details.
- If the IRS DRT isn’t available for your situation, double-check all income figures manually.
6. Leaving Fields Blank
A blank field can cause processing errors or incomplete FAFSA status. If a question does not apply, enter “0” or select “Not Applicable” instead of leaving it empty.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Review all sections before submitting.
- If unsure about a question, refer to studentaid.gov for guidance.
7. Misreporting Tax and Income Information
Using the wrong tax year or making math errors can reduce your aid eligibility. The 2025–26 FAFSA uses tax information from 2023.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Use the IRS DRT for accuracy.
- If entering manually, refer directly to your 2023 tax return (1040 Form).
8. Not Listing Enough Colleges
The FAFSA allows you to list up to 20 schools. Even if you’re undecided, it’s best to list all potential schools to ensure they receive your financial aid info.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Include all colleges you’re considering—there’s no penalty for listing extra schools.
- If necessary, you can update your FAFSA later.
9. Failing to Sign and Submit the FAFSA
Many applications remain incomplete because students forget to sign electronically using their FSA ID. FAFSA submissions without proper signatures won’t be processed.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Use your FSA ID to sign before submitting.
- If a parent’s signature is required, they must sign with their own FSA ID.
10. Believing FAFSA Myths
Many students and parents fall for common FAFSA myths, such as:
- “I won’t qualify because my parents make too much money.”
- “FAFSA is only for loans.”
- “FAFSA is too complicated.”
Reality:
Even high-income families can receive aid through merit scholarships, work-study, and low-interest loans.
Unlock Thousands in Financial Aid: Submit Your 2025–26 FAFSA Today
Major FAFSA Changes This Year: What Every Student Needs to Know
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I have to complete the FAFSA every year?
Yes. FAFSA must be completed annually to receive financial aid.
Can I correct mistakes after submitting the FAFSA?
Yes. You can log into your FAFSA account and submit a correction.
What if my financial situation changes after submitting the FAFSA?
If you experience a job loss or financial hardship, contact your school’s financial aid office to discuss possible adjustments.
