Common Errors

  • Thinking that the college of one's choice is not affordable; looking only at the sticker price of a college.
  • Filing too late. Monies are often distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. File your FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1. Use IRS Data Retrieval tool to populate required income information.
  • Not realizing that financial information you submit is confidential.
  • Failing to sign the FAFSA. (Can use FSA Log in information to file electronically.)
  • Using incomplete or incorrect information on the FAFSA.
  • Forgetting to keep copies of all materials submitted.
  • Incorrectly using income tax withheld from the paycheck instead of the net tax paid; use IRS Data Retrieval tool to get the correct amount.
  • Failing to read correspondence or to ask questions.
  • Forgetting to ask about the total college cost. In addition to tuition, housing and food, be certain to ask about other fees for student health, computer use, student activities, books, etc.
  • Believing you must pay the full balance before school starts. At BVU you will have the opportunity to enroll in an interest-free payment plan that spreads your out-of-pocket expense over (up to) twelve months.
  • Hoping there will be no sacrifice needed in the family's upcoming standard of living. Other than buying a home, paying for college will be one of the biggest expenses a family will face.  Financial aid is designed to help you make college affordable.
  • Thinking that financial assistance is automatically renewable each year. Ask for clear directions regarding what must be done to renew each aid component. Some financial assistance is renewable based on cumulative grade point average, financial need, participation in co-curricular activities, etc.