Created in 1992 to simplify applying for financial aid, it has become so intimidating -- with more than 100 questions -- that critics say it scares off the very families most in need, preventing some teenagers from going to college.
In addition, some families have begun paying for professional help with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA. The situation indicates just how far awry the whole process has gone, experts say.
Lewin writes that "Last year, Congress ordered the form streamlined, but in the very same bill, it added seven new questions", and mentions that Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, talked about the problem at his confirmation hearing, saying, "You basically have to have a Ph.D. to figure that thing [the FAFSA] out."
More families than ever are filing the forms this year, due to the recession and rising costs of college. As of last Sunday, the Department of Education had already received more than 2.2 million forms, 20 percent more than at this time last year.
Note: If you have a high school senior and you are waiting for your tax return in order to file the FAFSA, YOU'RE ALREADY LATE! "The form becomes available each year on Jan. 1, and counselors urge families to file early because some aid is first come, first served." The FAFSA should be filed on the first business day after January 1st of the student's senior year!
For professional help with not only completing and filing the FAFSA, but also maximizing your student's eligibility for financial aid and guidance on applying to and increasing the chance of admission, contact College Funding Relief, LLC today!
