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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!
Thanks for the Memphis and FIU suggestions! I hadn't thought about looking for schools that are actively trying to attract Midwestern students - that's a really smart angle. Do you happen to know if Memphis or FIU require separate scholarship applications or if they consider students automatically? Also, the alumni network tip is brilliant. I'll definitely research which schools have strong Wisconsin connections when we're narrowing down the list.
This is such helpful information! I'm in a similar situation with my first Parent Plus loan and was starting to panic. Question for everyone - once MOHELA (or whatever servicer) finally contacts you, do they give you flexibility on when payments start? My daughter's tuition is due again in January and I'm worried about having two big expenses hitting at the same time. Can you request to delay the first payment by a month or two to spread things out better?
Yes, most servicers do offer some flexibility with payment start dates! When MOHELA contacts you, they'll typically give you a first payment due date, but you can usually call them to request a deferment or adjust the timing if your student is still enrolled at least half-time. I'd recommend calling as soon as you get your servicer information rather than waiting for the payment notice. That way you can plan around your tuition payment schedule. Also, many servicers offer the option to change your payment due date once you're established - like moving it to later in the month if that works better with your budget.
I'm going through the exact same thing right now with my son's Parent Plus loan! It's been about 4 weeks since disbursement and I was getting really anxious about not hearing anything. This thread is so reassuring - sounds like the 6-8 week timeline is totally normal. I'm definitely going to check studentaid.gov tonight to see if a servicer has been assigned yet. Has anyone had experience with getting email notifications when your servicer info gets updated, or do you just have to keep checking manually?
I don't think they send automatic email notifications when your servicer gets assigned - you pretty much have to keep checking studentaid.gov manually. But once your servicer does get assigned and you create an account with them, then you can usually set up email alerts for payment reminders and account updates. I learned this the hard way with my first Parent Plus loan! Now I just check the federal site every few days until I see the servicer info show up.
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!
Ravi Malhotra
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.
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Isabella Costa
•That's really good to know. I was thinking I needed to file literally on December 1st, but if waiting a few days makes it smoother, we'll do that. Do you know if there's any advantage to filing super early vs. just filing before priority deadlines?
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Ravi Malhotra
•For most schools, there's no advantage to filing December 1st versus mid-December - as long as you meet their priority deadline (usually February 1st or March 1st). The main exception is schools with "first-come, first-served" aid, but those are increasingly rare. Your daughter's specific schools might have earlier priority dates, so it's worth checking their financial aid websites.
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CyberSamurai
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!
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