Thanks for mentioning the scholarship application deadlines - we'll make a tracking spreadsheet to make sure we don't miss any important dates. And I'm glad you mentioned the SAI/need-based aid component. We're definitely hoping to qualify for some need-based aid too, so we'll look at the total financial package rather than just the merit scholarships.

Hey! As someone who just went through this process with my nephew, I wanted to add that you should definitely look into University of Memphis and Florida International University (FIU). Both have solid business programs and are really generous with out-of-state merit aid for students with your son's stats. Memphis in particular has been trying to attract more Midwestern students and offers some great scholarship packages. FIU is in Miami so it definitely meets the warm weather requirement! Also, don't forget to check if any of these schools have alumni networks in Wisconsin - some give preference to students from areas where they want to build connections. Good luck with the process!

That's a perfect checklist! One last tip: when the FAFSA first opens on December 1st, the system is usually overwhelmed. Unless you need to meet a December deadline for a specific scholarship, consider waiting a few days to apply. The system tends to run much smoother by December 5th or 6th, and you'll have a better experience. Early January is still considered "early" for most financial aid purposes.

As someone who just went through this process with my oldest, I can't stress enough how important it is to double-check your Social Security numbers! I made a typo in my daughter's SSN and it caused a 3-week delay while we sorted it out with the school's financial aid office. Also, if you have any 1099s from freelance work or side gigs, make sure you have those ready too - they're easy to forget but the FAFSA will ask about all income sources. One more thing: take screenshots of each page as you complete them, just in case the system glitches and you lose your progress. Good luck!

Thank you everyone for your helpful advice! I've started gathering our documentation (green cards, 2023 tax returns, entry documents) and drafted a letter explaining our immigration timeline. My daughter is contacting her school's financial aid office tomorrow to ask about any additional forms they might require. I feel much more confident about moving forward with the FAFSA application now. I'll update once we've submitted everything in case it helps other immigrant families in similar situations.

Just wanted to add that you should also check if your daughter's school participates in CSS Profile for additional institutional aid. Some private colleges use this form alongside FAFSA for distributing their own scholarship funds. The CSS Profile has different requirements and might ask for additional documentation about your family's financial situation abroad before moving to the US. It's worth asking the financial aid office about this when your daughter contacts them tomorrow!

One more important point: If you're facing an enrollment deposit deadline at a school but haven't received your financial aid package yet, contact the admissions office (not just financial aid) and request an extension on your deposit deadline. Many schools are granting extensions this year due to the FAFSA delays. Get this request in writing via email so you have documentation.

I'm in the exact same boat! My FAFSA was processed around the same time as yours (March 20th) and I'm still waiting on packages from 6 schools. The uncertainty is killing me because I need to make a decision by May 1st. What's really frustrating is that some schools have been completely radio silent while others at least sent acknowledgment emails saying they received my ISIR. I've been checking my student portals obsessively but nothing yet. Reading through these comments is both reassuring (I'm not alone) and terrifying (this could take months). Definitely going to start making calls this week before my anxiety gets worse!

my niece works in financial aid at community college and she says they are telling students to just wait until march 15 if possible. the partial system is causing more problems than its solving. but if ur deadline is before then call your school!!!

I'm dealing with this exact same issue! I've been trying to correct my student asset information for three days now and keep getting that "unable to complete action" error. Based on what everyone's sharing here, it sounds like financial corrections are the most problematic right now during this soft launch. I'm going to try the suggestion about waiting 24 hours after clearing everything and logging out completely. If that doesn't work, I'll definitely contact my school's financial aid office with screenshots like @Micah Franklin suggested. One question for anyone who's gotten through - did you get any confirmation email when your correction actually processed, or did it just silently update? I want to make sure I know when/if it actually goes through! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - at least we know we're not alone in this mess! 🤞