Flickr user Mark Turnauckus
When you file the FAFSA, you must take great care that you provide the correct information as of the date that you sign and submit the application. Filling in wrong information can delay the processing time of your application or it may even void the application completely. So what happens if, after submitting the FAFSA, you realize that you’ve made a mistake while filling in the form? Well, you can actually make FAFSA corrections.
You Can Make Corrections
There is a provision for applicants to make corrections on the FAFSA form. If you realize you’ve made a mistake, say you made a mistake when entering your financial details, you can and should make the corrections as quickly as possible. You are allowed to make corrections any time before or during the award year. Of course, double check before you submit the FAFSA, but if you did make a mistake, you don’t need to worry. You’ll be able to fix it before any financial aid deadlines.
How to Make FAFSA Corrections
There are two ways you can make corrections to your FAFSA form:
- Online – This is the easiest and quickest way to make a FAFSA correction. You log in to your FAFSA page and click ‘Make FAFSA Corrections’. Then go ahead and submit the new information. You can also take this time to double check the other parts of FAFSA to make sure there aren’t any other mistakes you overlooked. Again, your financial aid is dependent on your FAFSA, so you want to make sure that nothing is delayed or even voided.
- Via Mail – This is not recommended as it takes a longer time to get processed. However, it is an option for those who prefer this method. To send FAFSA corrections by mail, you have to find the incorrect information on your paper Student Aid Report (SAR) and enter the correct information next to it. Then sign the SAR and mail it to the addressed mentioned on the report. If you don’t have a lot of time or are in a rush, we suggest fixing any mistakes online.
After you make a FAFSA correction, you will receive a new SAR that is calculated based on the new information you’ve provided.
A Note on SSN
The only detail you cannot change when you make FAFSA corrections online is your Social Security Number. If you’ve submitted your wrong Social Security Number, you will have to call the college financial aid office for help. In most cases, they will advise you to fill in and submit a new FAFSA with your correct SSN. Don’t be afraid to call the college financial aid office either; this is your financial aid on the line.
If you’re having a hard time getting through the FAFSA application, there are plenty of online and real life resources to help you. Whether it’s an online guide or a session offered at a school, there are plenty of (even free) ways to file the FAFSA with help.
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
6.97%-15.03%* Variable
5.99%-14.00%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
6.37% - 16.70% Variable
4.50% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.98% - 16.70% Variable
4.07% - 15.66% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.07% - 11.31% Variable
4.39% - 10.39% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
6.22% - 16.08% Variable
4.09% - 15.66% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
6.54% - 11.08% Variable
3.95% - 8.01% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 18.26% Variable
4.11% - 15.90% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
4.98% - 12.79% Variable
8.42% - 13.01% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
