What does an asterisk on my SAR mean?

Question

I was checking my FAFSA, SAR report and I noticed that in the corner of the top of the page it said 0 (for the EFC) but had a * beside it so that it looked like this: 0*. what does that mean? i have made corrections to my FAFSA, but it was also on the original too. Do you think it's like that because it's not the 2008-2009 school year yet, or maybe because its just a new way they are doing the SAR reports?

I just hope its not something that will affect my financial aid this year that I can prevent before i go to school in August.

Thanks!

Answer 1

The asterick means that your FAFSA was selected for verification. This means that you will have to provide copy of prior year tax returns and fill out a verification worksheet. Your school will send provide you with the information to fill out.

Answer 2

Your FAFSA was selected for verification by the US Dept of Education and the school will require you to submit some documentation.  The school will send you a verification worksheet, either dependent or independent, and request a copy of your income tax forms and your parent's income tax forms, if dependent.  Once you submit the documents, the school will then review these documents against your FAFSA application.  If everything is fine, the school will send you an award letter.  If corrections need to be made, the school will make them and then send you an award letter.

Bottom line, it is better not to be selected for verification because if you are selected, your forms will be scrutinized by the school.  Unfortunately, you have no control over this process, only the Dept. of Education can make this determination.

Answer 3

The asterisk on your SAR means you have been chosen for verification.  30% of all the students at your college will be chosen for this process at random.  Your Financial Aid Advisor may ask for copies of the taxes you used for your answers on your FAFSA...to verify your record.  It's just a random process...and it won't prevent you starting school.  It is a way to double check the information on your FAFSA was entered correctly!