FAFSA and Financial Aid

[BlistexWorks]

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I know that many of you are probably thinking about the FAFSA at this time, so I figured a forum dedicated to any questions anyone might have regarding it and financial aid in general would be helpful.

Q#1: Are there separate FAFSA school codes for the veterinary schools (like the GRE codes)? I know that Purdue's code is 001825, but I'm not sure if the main campus would have a different code. Anyone know for sure?

 

[elefante7]

No, from everything I have found, the entire university only has one FAFSA code.

 

[BodhiBird]

Tufts has a different code for their vet school. But, the vet school is in a different city than Tufts proper, so that may have something to do with it.

 

[IvyLynx]

What do you do if you don't know whether you've been accepted or not? I put the codes of the schools that I could possibly get in to, but I guess I still have to put that I want undergrad aid? Since I'll be in my 4th year of undergrad next year if I don't get into vet school?

 

[237397]

that sounds right, ivy... don't forget your parents' info!

 

[IvyLynx]

thanks!

 

[mooturkey]

I am going to call the school financial aid office tomorrow... but what do you do when your parents haven't done their taxes yet? Do you estimate what they have and then correct it at a later time? Highly doubt my mom will be doing her taxes any time soon, and they say to put her info on there for the health professions loan. Anyone?

 

[cuitlamiztli]

Do you estimate what they have and then correct it at a later time?

Yep. You would have to ask the school's financial aid office when the corrections need to be in by, though, because I think it varies by state.

 

[237397]

I am going to call the school financial aid office tomorrow... but what do you do when your parents haven't done their taxes yet? Do you estimate what they have and then correct it at a later time? Highly doubt my mom will be doing her taxes any time soon, and they say to put her info on there for the health professions loan. Anyone?

See if she can dig up her tax info from last year; that'll help you estimate. Good luck!

 

[mjrabbitvet]

So do you have to put in your parents' financial information? Does this vary by school? why do I need to do this if I'm going to be independent?

 

[elefante7]

Tufts requires it. Not sure about other schools. I know Purdue does not. However, if you want to be considered for the Health Professionals loan (a really low interest loan) you need to put it. A lot of us are or will be independent, but that doesn't matter in this case.

 

[cuitlamiztli]

So do you have to put in your parents' financial information? Does this vary by school? why do I need to do this if I'm going to be independent?

Like elephante7 said, the only reason you need to include your parents' information on your FAFSA is if you want to be considered for the HPSL. There's a list at the bottom of this thread about which schools currently offer the loan; you could also contact the school directly to find out.

 

[mooturkey]

Thanks for your answers! Greatly appreciated!

 

[drwildlife]

Bumping this thread back up since it's that time of year again!

So, what I am understanding is, this still has to be filled out for veterinary school correct?

 

[nordicat]

Bumping this thread back up since it's that time of year again!

So, what I am understanding is, this still has to be filled out for veterinary school correct?

If you plan on getting federal loans to help pay for vet school, then yes! The other options are paying out of pocket (owch!), private loans (ie. Chase, whatever bank you use), or...not sure what else. Grants/Scholarships can help pay part of tuition, but those are never guaranteed.

So, yeah, if you need a loan, fill out the good ole FAFSA.

 

[RetroUnicorn]

Do people ever get rejected from loans?

I plan to pay for vet school by myself by taking out loans but my parents keep saying that I might not be able to get a loan because they don't list me as an independent on their taxes.

 

[mooshagen]

Where can I find the FAFSA and is it all done online?

 

[orcagirl]

Do people ever get rejected from loans?

I plan to pay for vet school by myself by taking out loans but my parents keep saying that I might not be able to get a loan because they don't list me as an independent on their taxes.

You will be able to get the loans. You will be classified as independent on the FAFSA as you are applying for aid for a professional program.

 

[alaskandream]

Where can I find the FAFSA and is it all done online?

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

this should be the website that you'll need

 

[mooshagen]

Thank you!

 

[RetroUnicorn]

You will be able to get the loans. You will be classified as independent on the FAFSA as you are applying for aid for a professional program.

So being listed as dependent on taxes won't matter because I can list myself independent on FAFSA?

 

[mooshagen]

So being listed as dependent on taxes won't matter because I can list myself independent on FAFSA?

Your parents need to stop listing you as a dependent for next year (what Western financial aid representative told me).

 

[orcagirl]

So being listed as dependent on taxes won't matter because I can list myself independent on FAFSA?

It sounds like it might depend on the school. I was told at Ohio that because you are entering a professional program the FAFSA will automatically consider you as independent. However, from my understanding, I think that for tax purposes once you leave undergraduate you can't be claimed as a dependent. So 2011 will probably be the last year they can claim you as dependent.

 

[RetroUnicorn]

It's not on the FAFSA website anywhere...why is there no link on the website or a number to call?!

Anyone else have/had a situation like mine?

 

[orcagirl]

It's not on the FAFSA website anywhere...why is there no link on the website or a number to call?!

Anyone else have/had a situation like mine?

My parents are still considering me as a dependent on their taxes this year. I just filled it out the best I could. If you are having too much trouble you might try taking with your undergrad's financial aid department. They can probably help you fill it out.

 

[libster06]

It's not on the FAFSA website anywhere...why is there no link on the website or a number to call?!

Anyone else have/had a situation like mine?

It doesn't matter what your parents list you as. When you fill out the FAFSA form, you answer some questions to determine whether you can skip listing your parents income or not. One of those questions is something like "are you entering your 5th year of college or starting graduate or professional school?" and if you say yes, which you will, it will qualify you to be an "independent" on the FAFSA form and you can skip listing your parents income and details and just list your own (however much you made at any job you've worked in the last year).

 

[RetroUnicorn]

It doesn't matter what your parents list you as. When you fill out the FAFSA form, you answer some questions to determine whether you can skip listing your parents income or not. One of those questions is something like "are you entering your 5th year of college or starting graduate or professional school?" and if you say yes, which you will, it will qualify you to be an "independent" on the FAFSA form and you can skip listing your parents income and details and just list your own (however much you made at any job you've worked in the last year).

Oh thanks! And they ask this question before they ask which school you will be attending?

 

[libster06]

Oh thanks! And they ask this question before they ask which school you will be attending?

I don't know, I don't remember. But the way the form is set up is that if you answer it, you'll get qualified properly.

 

[orcagirl]

Oh thanks! And they ask this question before they ask which school you will be attending?

I believe so. Depending on what schools you apply to you may want to put in your parents' information. It allows you to be considered for the Health Professions Student Loan which has a lower interest rate than the rest of the graduate/professional student loans.

 

[graffitiskies]

I have a couple of questions.
First of all, I haven't been accepted anywhere yet (waiting to hear from Tennessee and on the interview alternate list at VMRCVM). Would it be okay to fill out the FAFSA without knowing? I know there are specific deadlines for FAFSA, and I do not want to drop the ball on receiving financial aid if I am accepted somewhere. I cannot seem to find the exact school codes for either of these vet schools. Would I use the codes for UT and VT instead? And if I should go ahead and fill it out, should I put my parents info? I have seen numerous opinions on supplying parental info, but I would like some input. 🙂

 

[Peperoncini]

I believe the code for VT is the same as for VMRCVM: 003754. I would put the schools you may possibly attend on the FAFSA to meet the priority deadline (varies by school, but most have it at March 1st). I did this for VMRCVM (interviewing this weekend) and Ohio State (waitlisted) because both have a March 1st priority filing deadline.

I'm sure VMRCVM will go over financial aid at some point during the weekend... Hopefully...

As for UT, I couldn't say, but my best guess is that you use the UT code provided through FAFSA (if there is a separate code for UT graduate school, do that). Worst case scenario, you will have to revise your FAFSA which can be done online.

 

[K9DANE]

So, I'm a complete "student loan" idiot. I was fortunate enough to make it through school the first time without needing them.

Since I'll be applying for the first time this upcoming cycle, am I correct to assume that I go ahead and fill out the upcoming FAFSA next January? even though I won't know yet if I've been accepted?

Also, do they consider what you made the prior year? For example, my husband and I combined make a decent income, but of course that will diminish greatly if/once I'm accepted and start somewhere. Will I still be eligible for the $40.5k up to COA despite what our earnings were the previous year?

 

[Peperoncini]

So, I'm a complete "student loan" idiot. I was fortunate enough to make it through school the first time without needing them.

Since I'll be applying for the first time this upcoming cycle, am I correct to assume that I go ahead and fill out the upcoming FAFSA next January? even though I won't know yet if I've been accepted?

Also, do they consider what you made the prior year? For example, my husband and I combined make a decent income, but of course that will diminish greatly if/once I'm accepted and start somewhere. Will I still be eligible for the $40.5k up to COA despite what our earnings were the previous year?

I filed my FAFSA as soon as I completed my taxes this year and got my parents tax info (for the HPSL). I'm married as well and in a similar situation to you (decent income for 2011 tax year that will decrease if I go to vet school). The FAFSA uses income from the previous year in its calculations (so if you apply next year, 2013, you will be using your 2012 income/tax info to fill out the FAFSA).

I don't know your specific financial situation, but I'd be surprised if you were not eligible for loans...

 

[sunnex3]

plus i thought that the $40.5K/year in stafford loans was guaranteed to vet students, regardless of your "need"? that's the understanding that i had from the financial aid info penn gave me. not sure if it's particular to a certain school or not though...

 

[bigkittinteef]

Oh poop. I submitted my FAFSA last night and realized after the fact that I wrote the wrong amount for the amount of taxes my dad paid.

 

[NStarz]

Oh poop. I submitted my FAFSA last night and realized after the fact that I wrote the wrong amount for the amount of taxes my dad paid.

If I'm not mistaken, you can change info once the application is 'processed.'

 

[sunnex3]

yeah i'm pretty sure you can change stuff, because some people submit the fafsa before their taxes are finalized...i think my mom was able to go back and change some things for my sister, who is going to college in the fall. not sure though.

 

[bigkittinteef]

That's what I thought! Lovely! Thanks guys!

 

[bunnity]

Yes: you will get your 40.5K regardless of how much money you make, how much money your spouse makes, how much money your parents make.

Yes: you can go ahead and fill out your FAFSA if you don't know next year's plans. You will be able to add schools later if you want.

Maybe this could be merged with the other FAFSA thread? There's a lot of overlapping questions and answers.

 

[graffitiskies]

I believe the code for VT is the same as for VMRCVM: 003754. I would put the schools you may possibly attend on the FAFSA to meet the priority deadline (varies by school, but most have it at March 1st). I did this for VMRCVM (interviewing this weekend) and Ohio State (waitlisted) because both have a March 1st priority filing deadline.

I'm sure VMRCVM will go over financial aid at some point during the weekend... Hopefully...

As for UT, I couldn't say, but my best guess is that you use the UT code provided through FAFSA (if there is a separate code for UT graduate school, do that). Worst case scenario, you will have to revise your FAFSA which can be done online.

Thank you, Peperoncini! 🙂

Yes: you will get your 40.5K regardless of how much money you make, how much money your spouse makes, how much money your parents make.

Yes: you can go ahead and fill out your FAFSA if you don't know next year's plans. You will be able to add schools later if you want.

Maybe this could be merged with the other FAFSA thread? There's a lot of overlapping questions and answers.

Thank you, Bunnity! 🙂

 

[mooshagen]

Hey guys, I just looked at my SAR from FAFSA. It says I am not eligible for Pell Grants because I am currently completing my undergrad and will be going beyond undergrad next year (I applied for 2012-2013)... and it just says my schools will decide from here. Are Pell Grants just for undergrasd? Am I not going to get any money?!

 

[Rocky922]

Hey guys, I just looked at my SAR from FAFSA. It says I am not eligible for Pell Grants because I am currently completing my undergrad and will be going beyond undergrad next year (I applied for 2012-2013)... and it just says my schools will decide from here. Are Pell Grants just for undergrasd? Am I not going to get any money?!

My understanding is that Pell Grants are only given to undergrads. You will however, be able to get all of the money you will need for veterinary school through the Stafford and Grad PLUS loans.

 

[orcagirl]

My understanding is that Pell Grants are only for undergrad or certificate programs. You will be able to get loans next year though. All professional students do.

 

[crazy bout qtrs]

Hey guys, I just looked at my SAR from FAFSA. It says I am not eligible for Pell Grants because I am currently completing my undergrad and will be going beyond undergrad next year (I applied for 2012-2013)... and it just says my schools will decide from here. Are Pell Grants just for undergrasd? Am I not going to get any money?!

My SAR said the same thing. Once you get your BA/ BS whatever you are not eligable for the federal pell grant which is a grant you don't have to pay back. It is there to help pay for an undergrad degree. You should be eligable for things like the Stafford Graduate Loans and Grad Plus Loans. Grants and scholarships are dependent upon the school you get into and those are a competetive process. You should be able to borrow money up to your eyeballs though.

 

[mooshagen]

*phew!* Thanks you guys!