One more thing nobody mentioned - there's a question on the CSS Profile about receiving money from relatives in some versions. Even if u spend the inheritance before filing CSS Profile, u still have to report it if they ask that specific question. Just FYI so u don't accidentally commit financial aid fraud (which is a whole other nightmare

I'm so sorry for your loss, Ava. Dealing with financial aid complications while grieving is incredibly difficult. I want to emphasize something that might give you some hope: many CSS Profile schools have "Professional Judgment" processes specifically for situations like yours. The key is being proactive and thorough in your documentation. Here's my advice based on helping other families through similar situations: 1. **Timing matters**: File your CSS Profile and special circumstances appeals as early as possible. Don't wait until after you've spent the money - explain your plans upfront. 2. **Frame it correctly**: In your appeals, emphasize that this inheritance doesn't represent an increase in your ongoing ability to pay for college. You're using it to eliminate existing debt and address deferred home maintenance, not to increase your standard of living. 3. **Get specific**: When you mention the house needs "major repairs," get actual contractor estimates. CSS Profile schools respond better to concrete numbers than general statements. 4. **Consider the timeline**: Since your daughter is applying now, you have time to strategically use the inheritance before filing the CSS Profile for her sophomore year (if applicable). The annuity taxation is tough, but remember that paying taxes on it actually reduces the net benefit you received, which strengthens your case for professional judgment. Don't lose hope - I've seen families in similar situations maintain significant aid with the right approach and documentation.

Just wanted to add something that might help with your divorced parents situation - make sure you understand the difference between who claims you as a dependent for tax purposes vs. which parent's info goes on FAFSA. These are two separate things! The parent who claims you on taxes doesn't necessarily have to be the same parent whose info you report on FAFSA. FAFSA goes by who you lived with more OR who provided more financial support (if 50/50 custody). I learned this the hard way when I assumed they had to match. Also, keep detailed records of any financial support each parent provides throughout the year - it might come in handy if you ever need to justify your choice to financial aid offices.

Just wanted to jump in as someone who went through this exact situation last year! You're absolutely right - use 2023 tax returns for your 2025-2026 FAFSA. One thing that really helped me was creating a checklist of all the documents I needed from both parents before I even started the application. Since you mentioned your parents are divorced and coordinating is difficult, I'd suggest asking both parents to gather their documents now (2023 tax returns, W-2s, bank statements, etc.) even if you're only reporting one parent's info on FAFSA. Sometimes financial aid offices ask for additional documentation during verification, and having everything ready saved me weeks of back-and-forth. Also, if your mom's new husband is being difficult about sharing his financial info, remind him that it's legally required for FAFSA - there's no way around it if they want you to receive federal financial aid. The whole process is stressful enough without family drama! You've got this!

Yes, verification status can absolutely cause significant SAI differences. The verification flag typically means the system is using a provisional calculation until documentation is reviewed. Here's what to do: 1. Submit all requested verification documents for your son as soon as possible 2. Include a brief note explaining both children are in your household with identical parent information 3. Request priority processing due to the discrepancy affecting financial aid decisions 4. Follow up with the financial aid office at their university since they can sometimes expedite verification Once verification is complete, your son's SAI should adjust to be much closer to your daughter's. The $9,500 difference is significant but not unusual for pre-verification vs. post-verification calculations.

I'm glad you found the root cause! Just wanted to add that when you submit those verification documents, make sure to scan them clearly and submit all pages - incomplete verification submissions can delay processing even more. Also keep copies of everything you send. The verification process usually takes 2-3 weeks once they receive complete documentation, but given that aid packages are being finalized soon, definitely call the financial aid office to let them know about the urgency. They might be able to give you a preliminary aid estimate based on your daughter's verified SAI while waiting for your son's verification to complete.

One more important point - if you don't complete the FAFSA, your daughter won't be able to take advantage of the Federal Work-Study program, which can be a great way to earn money on campus with a job that works around her class schedule. Even if you don't need the money, these positions often provide valuable experience and connections.

As someone who went through this exact scenario two years ago with my twin daughters applying to similar schools, I can't stress enough how important it is to file the FAFSA! We're in a comparable income bracket and initially hesitated for the same reasons. Here's what we discovered: Both NYU and BU specifically state on their websites that FAFSA completion is required for consideration of ANY institutional aid, including merit scholarships. We actually called both admissions offices directly to confirm this. Even more importantly - having twins in college simultaneously dramatically changed our aid eligibility despite our high income. The FAFSA calculation considers multiple children in college as a major factor, and we ended up receiving some institutional grants we never expected. Also, don't underestimate the value of those federal unsubsidized loans. At current rates, they're significantly better than any private loan option, and the repayment flexibility is unmatched. The new FAFSA is actually simpler than the old version once you get started. It took me about 45 minutes per student, and that small time investment opened doors we didn't even know existed. Trust me - just do it!

To answer your follow-up question - CSS Profile and FAFSA are separate systems. Schools that require both use the CSS Profile to determine institutional aid and the FAFSA for federal aid eligibility. The CSS Profile typically collects more detailed financial information and may consider assets that FAFSA doesn't (like home equity). Your daughter's -1500 SAI guarantees federal aid eligibility but the CSS Profile will generate its own separate calculation for institutional aid. This is why packages can vary dramatically between schools even with the same FAFSA result.

Congratulations on the -1500 SAI! As a newcomer here, I just wanted to add that you should also look into state-specific aid programs. Many states have their own grant programs for low-income students that use FAFSA data, and with your daughter's -1500 SAI, she'll likely qualify for maximum state aid too. Also, don't forget to check if any of her schools participate in programs like the American Opportunity Tax Credit - with your income level indicated by the negative SAI, you might qualify for additional tax benefits that can help offset college costs. The combination of federal, state, and institutional aid can really add up!