Just want to add another tip for anyone else dealing with this - if you're still having trouble finding the specific errors after checking the SAI worksheet, try accessing your FAFSA from a computer instead of mobile. The mobile interface sometimes doesn't display all the error flags properly. Also, clear your browser cache before logging in - I've seen cases where old cached data interferes with the correction interface. The FAFSA system has definitely had more glitches this year than usual, but most issues can be resolved once you know where to look!

I'm so glad you found the SAI worksheet - that's exactly where those hidden errors usually lurk! For future reference, if anyone else runs into this issue, you can also try logging out completely and logging back in. Sometimes the system needs a fresh session to display all the correction flags properly. Also, if you're still having trouble after making corrections, don't wait until the last day of your deadline to follow up. The processing can take 3-5 business days even for simple corrections, and you don't want to miss your deadline because of system delays. Good luck with your corrections!

Welcome to the community! I'm also new here and dealing with the same Parent PLUS loan confusion for my daughter who will be a returning sophomore. This thread has been incredibly helpful - I was completely panicked about missing deadlines and was about to apply for the Parent PLUS loan without having the aid package first! Reading through everyone's experiences, especially hearing from the financial aid professionals, has really put my mind at ease. The consistent advice to wait for the official aid package makes so much sense, and it's reassuring to know that schools are adjusting their timelines to accommodate the FAFSA delays. I'm planning to call our financial aid office this week based on all the recommendations here. One question I have - for those who've already called their schools, did you find it helpful to ask about estimated tuition increases for next year? I'm trying to get a rough idea of what we might be looking at compared to last year so I can start mentally preparing, even though I know the exact amount will depend on the official aid package. Thank you to everyone who's shared their knowledge and experiences. It's such a relief to know we're not navigating this stressful situation alone!

Welcome to the community! I'm also brand new here and dealing with the exact same situation with my son who's going to be a returning sophomore. Like many others, I was completely overwhelmed by the FAFSA delays and was actually considering applying for the Parent PLUS loan early just to stay ahead of things - thank goodness I found this thread first! The consistent advice from everyone, especially the financial aid professionals, to wait for the official aid package before applying makes perfect sense. It's such a relief to see that schools are being proactive about adjusting their timelines and prioritizing returning students for aid packages. I wanted to add one thing I learned when I called our financial aid office yesterday - they mentioned that they're also sending out email updates to families about their adjusted deadlines and processing timelines. The advisor suggested making sure our contact information is current in their system so we don't miss any important communications about when aid packages will be released. This community has been absolutely invaluable for understanding what felt like an impossible situation just yesterday. Thank you to everyone who's shared their experiences and expertise - it's amazing how much less stressful this all feels when you realize you're not navigating it alone!

anyone else notice that sometimes the schools dont get the fafsa info even when u add them?? we added 2 schools for my son in january and when we called in march they said they never got his fafsa!! had to resubmit the whole correction again. so frustrating

As someone who just went through this process with my own child, I wanted to add that you should also check your email (including spam folder) for confirmation messages after making corrections. When we added schools to my daughter's FAFSA last month, we received email confirmations within 24 hours that the corrections were submitted successfully. These emails also included a summary of which schools would be receiving her FAFSA data, which gave me peace of mind. If you don't receive a confirmation email within a day or two, that might indicate there was an issue with the submission process.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! I feel a bit better knowing that there's still a chance with my SAI, even if it varies by school. I'm going to: 1. Wait for my initial aid packages 2. Contact financial aid offices directly if Work-Study isn't included 3. Ask about regular campus employment as a backup plan 4. Look into which schools might have larger Work-Study budgets I'll update this thread once I start hearing back from schools in case it helps anyone else with a similar SAI.

Just wanted to add some perspective from someone who's been through this process! My SAI was actually 11,800 last year (so even higher than yours) and I ended up getting Work-Study at 3 out of 7 schools I applied to. The key thing I learned is that timing really matters - not just when you submit your FAFSA, but also how quickly you respond to your financial aid offers. Some schools have a "summer melt" where students decline their Work-Study awards, creating openings for waitlisted students. I got my Work-Study offer in July after being initially denied! Also, smaller private schools definitely seem more flexible with their cutoffs than big state schools. Don't lose hope - your SAI of 11,366 is definitely still in the running at many colleges.

I'm so glad to see you got some movement on this! As someone who went through a similar situation 3 years ago, I wanted to add that you should also ask the financial aid office about work-study opportunities when you're there for the appeal. My daughter didn't qualify initially but after our special circumstances appeal was approved, they were able to offer her work-study too which added another $2,400 to her aid package. Also, keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit - I had to resubmit documents twice because they got "lost in the system." You're doing all the right things and advocating well for your daughter!

As a financial aid counselor at a state university, I want to emphasize that your timeline is actually very manageable! Most schools process special circumstances appeals within 2-3 weeks, and since you've already extended your decision deadline, you should have plenty of time. One thing I don't see mentioned yet - make sure to ask about institutional aid when you submit your appeal. Many schools have emergency grants or additional need-based aid that only becomes available after a special circumstances review. At our school, we have a separate fund specifically for students whose parents are recently divorced or separated. Also, don't forget to mention any additional expenses you now have as a single parent that weren't part of your married household (like paying for separate housing, childcare changes, etc.). These can all factor into the professional judgment review. You're absolutely on the right track!