1. Failure to believe that you qualify for financial aid.

   Most parents are under the misconception they would not be eligible for financial aid if the family income is over $90,000.  This is usually not the case.

2. Failure to understand the strategies of applying to colleges.

3. Failure to know which form(s) and when. Timing is everything!  Missed forms and deadlines will deny you aid! Do NOT wait for college acceptance!

4. Failure to know "exactly" what to do in a gridlock and time sensitive system.

5. Failure to understand, interpret and properly answer over 120 questions on financial aid forms. Obvious answers are not necessarily correct.

6. Failure to know when your financial aid award has been shortchanged.

7. Failure to know why it has been shortchanged.

8. Failure to know how to revise the award accordingly.

9. Failure to correctly evaluate the "value" of your home.

   The government no longer requires this information on the Federal form, however, the college's forms do!

10. Failure to perform mathematical calculations correctly.

11. Failure to understand "good" loans and "bad" loans.

   Knowing the difference can make or cost you thousands of dollars.

12. Failure to bring "special considerations" to the attention of the proper officials.

   These situations are such as death, divorce, loss of job or earnings; Independent student status is viewed as a special consideration!

13. Failure to correctly differentiate between "Independent" and "Dependent" student status.

14. Failure to file again if the student was previously denied financial aid.

15. Failure to understand "custodial parent(s)", as in divorced/separated or re-married.

16. Failure to understand, interpret, and correct mistakes on the Student Aid Report (SAR).