Just a quick tip - while you're waiting for your correction to process, take some time to prepare all the correct information for your next correction. Write down the exact changes you need to make so you don't miss anything again. The FAFSA correction process can be overwhelming, especially with the new 2025-2026 form changes, so having everything organized will help ensure you get it right the next time.

I'm new to the FAFSA process and this whole correction situation sounds really stressful! Reading through everyone's experiences makes me realize how easy it is to make mistakes. For someone who hasn't submitted their FAFSA yet for 2025-2026, what's the best way to avoid needing corrections in the first place? Should I be using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool that Miranda mentioned, or are there other tools/resources that help ensure accuracy on the first try? I'd rather spend extra time getting it right initially than deal with multiple corrections and potential verification issues.

Update: I spoke with the financial aid office again today and got some clarity. They confirmed both my ex and I can apply for separate Parent PLUS loans. We need to each complete our own application and Master Promissory Note with our FSA IDs. They recommended we submit a written plan specifying exactly how much each of us will borrow so there's no confusion. Thanks everyone for your help with this!

As someone who went through this exact situation last year, I can confirm it's definitely possible! Just wanted to add a few practical tips that helped my ex and I navigate this smoothly: 1. Get everything in writing BEFORE applying - we created a simple document outlining who would borrow what amount and signed it 2. Apply within the same week if possible - this helps the financial aid office process both applications together 3. Consider who has the better credit score for the larger portion, as Parent PLUS loans don't have a borrowing limit beyond cost of attendance 4. Keep copies of all your communications with the school's financial aid office The key is coordination and communication. Once we got organized, the whole process was actually pretty straightforward. Good luck with everything!

Thank you all for the helpful information! Just to summarize what I understand now: 1. Since my father-in-law owns the 529 plan (not me or my daughter), we don't report it anywhere on the FAFSA 2. This is a recent change with the simplified FAFSA that started with 2024-2025 applications 3. I should check if the private colleges my daughter is applying to use the CSS Profile and if they have different rules This makes a huge difference - we were worried her aid would be reduced significantly because of these funds. Really appreciate all your help!

Just wanted to add one more helpful tip for anyone dealing with this situation - make sure to keep good records of the 529 distributions even though you don't report them on the FAFSA. The IRS may still require documentation for tax purposes, and some schools might ask for verification of education expenses. Also, if your daughter receives any tax documents (like a 1099-Q) related to the 529 distribution, don't panic - this is just for tax reporting and doesn't mean it needs to go on the FAFSA. The tax treatment and FAFSA treatment are completely separate under the new rules.

My kid had a similar SAI (around 4200) and still got some aid. It really depends on the school tho. She got almost nothing from her first choice but her second choice gave her a decent package with work study and some small grants. Tell your parents to check if their employers offer any tuition benefits too - sometimes companies have scholarships for employees kids that nobody knows about.

Your SAI of 4115 is actually in a decent range! While you won't qualify for Pell Grants (which typically require SAI under 3000), you're still eligible for several types of aid. With your family income of $87k, you should definitely qualify for subsidized loans and likely work-study. Many schools also offer institutional grants for students in your SAI range. The key is to apply to multiple schools and compare aid packages - I've seen students with similar SAIs get very different offers depending on the school. Don't give up hope before you see actual award letters!

Has anyone had luck getting COA increases for things besides computers? My daughter needs specialized equipment for her major (architecture) and it's crazy expensive. Wondering if we could get her COA adjusted for that too...

This is such great information from everyone! As someone new to navigating college financial aid, I'm learning so much from this thread. It sounds like the key takeaways are: 1) Get the school's outside scholarship policy in writing, 2) Ask about COA adjustments for required equipment/computers BEFORE making purchases, 3) Be prepared that they might reduce need-based aid but usually touch loans/work-study first, and 4) Keep records of everything for potential tax implications. @Eva St. Cyr - it sounds like you're being very proactive about this! I'd definitely recommend calling them back and specifically asking for their "outside scholarship displacement policy" and "COA adjustment process" - using those exact terms seems to get better responses based on what others have shared.