One thing noone menitoned is that Parent PLUS loans can sometimes be transfered to the student after graduation using refinancing companies. Thats what we plan to do with our son when he gets his first job, but for now we're protecting his credit while hes in school

After reading your situation again, I'd recommend this specific strategy: 1. Have your daughter take the max federal Direct Subsidized loans first (~$3,500) 2. Then federal Direct Unsubsidized loans (~$2,000) 3. Then you take Parent PLUS for the remaining ~$8,500 This maximizes the loans with the best terms while splitting responsibility. The subsidized loans are particularly valuable since no interest accrues while she's in school. And remember, you can always help her pay her loans after graduation even if they're in her name - but having some loans in her name helps build her credit history.

I just wanna say i applied for sm scholarship in high school and like never heard from most!! its super normal dont worry lol. they only tell u if u win something its crazy but thats how it works good luck!!!

While you're waiting to hear back about these scholarships, I recommend reviewing your son's current financial aid package from his chosen school(s). With the higher-than-expected SAI score, you may want to submit a Professional Judgment appeal (sometimes called a Special Circumstances review) to the financial aid office. If your financial situation has changed since the tax year used for FAFSA calculations, or if you have unusual expenses not captured by the FAFSA, this process might help increase his institutional aid offer regardless of these outside scholarships.

I want to emphasize what was said earlier - please contact the financial aid offices directly at each school your daughter is considering. As someone working in financial aid, I can tell you we're maintaining lists of students affected by FAFSA delays and working with them individually. Many schools are creating contingency plans for students caught in this situation, including offering preliminary aid packages based on the information you can provide directly to the school while waiting for the official FAFSA results.

Yes, sending your 2022 tax documents directly to the schools could definitely help them create a preliminary aid estimate. Some schools also have their own institutional aid application forms they can use as alternatives. Each school handles this differently, so when you call, ask specifically what documentation they need to create a preliminary aid package while waiting for the official FAFSA results. This approach won't work for federal aid directly, but it can give you a good idea of what to expect and help with your decision-making process.

Update: I tried downloading the PDF as suggested, but the SAI still isn't there. I'm going to give it a few more days as someone suggested. If it's still not showing up by Friday, I'll try reaching out to them directly. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

SUCCESS! I found it on the confirmation page! Thank you all so much for your help. For anyone else looking, the SAI number wasn't on the main dashboard or even in the downloaded PDF of the SAR, but it was on the confirmation page under "View Submitted Applications" as suggested. It's labeled very clearly there as "Student Aid Index (SAI): [number]". What a relief!

does anybody know why they changed everything this year?? my older son did fafsa 3 yrs ago and it was wayyy easier and we got all his awards by march!! so confused why they had to mess with the system

Update: I took everyone's advice and called SUNY Buffalo this morning! Got through after about 20 minutes on hold. The counselor was super helpful and said my aid package is being finalized this week and should be available on the portal by Friday. She gave me a rough estimate that was actually better than what Rochester offered! Now I just need to hear from the other schools. Feeling much more optimistic now!