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Update: Mystery solved! I just heard back from my stepson. Turns out his school has a March 15th priority deadline for submitting the CSS Profile for institutional scholarships for 2024-2025. That's what his mom was freaking out about. And she had the year wrong too. Thank you everyone for your help! The panic has subsided. 😅
That makes perfect sense! The CSS Profile is indeed different from FAFSA and many private schools use it to determine institutional aid. Those deadlines are often much earlier than federal deadlines. Glad you got it sorted out!
Just to add a helpful tip since this confusion is so common: I recommend creating a simple spreadsheet with columns for: - Form type (FAFSA, CSS Profile, school-specific forms) - Academic year it applies to - Opening date for submission - Deadline date (both priority and final) - Renewal requirements This has saved my family so much stress over the years as we've gone through this process with three kids!
That's brilliant! I'm definitely going to create this spreadsheet and share it with both households. Maybe it will prevent the next financial aid panic attack. 😅
Update: I followed the advice here and downloaded my SAR. It does show the SAI score, so I think we're good! I also called my daughter's top choice school and they confirmed they can see her FAFSA data in their system. So it looks like this is just a display error on the website. Thanks everyone for your help!
Great news! This is exactly what I'd expect based on the symptoms you described. The SAI calculation is the last step in processing, so if that's completed, you're all set. The colleges having access is the ultimate confirmation. Glad it worked out!
has anyone actually gotten the site to ever show the correct status after getting the SAI email? mine still shows wrong status a month later lol
hey completely off topic but does anyone know if I'm supposed to include my stepparent's income if they don't legally support me? my mom remarried last year but my stepdad doesn't contribute to my education at all and i live with my dad during summers
This depends on which parent you lived with more during the past 12 months. If you lived more with your mom who is now remarried, then yes, your stepparent's information must be included regardless of whether they contribute to your education. FAFSA requires the income and assets of your custodial parent and their current spouse (your stepparent). If you primarily live with your dad, then you'd report his information (and his spouse's if he's remarried).
Update: I've gone through the whole application again, and just like you all said, my information was all there! I just had to click through each section and verify. Just submitted again and got my confirmation email. Such a relief! Thank you everyone for your help - you saved me from a complete panic attack!
glad it worked out! the FAFSA is so stressful lol
One more thing - when you add SCSU, double-check that your dependency status and household information is still correct. If anything has changed since you initially submitted (like if your parents' marital status changed or someone new is in your household), you should update that during the correction period too. That COULD affect your SAI and ultimately your aid package.
Just curious - are you going to completely remove Trident from your FAFSA or keep it as a backup? When my brother was deciding between schools, his financial aid advisor recommended keeping all schools on the FAFSA until you're 100% committed (like, deposit paid and everything) just in case something falls through.
Mei Wong
tbh this happens to so many families. my brother couldnt go to his first choice bc of $$. it sucked but he went to state school and is doing great now. sometimes you gotta be realistic about what u can afford
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Yuki Tanaka
•I know you're right, and we do have her second choice as a backup (much cheaper state school). Just trying to explore all options before we give up on her dream school.
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Carmen Ortiz
One last thing to consider - now that you've been denied for the PLUS loan, ask the financial aid office if they offer any kind of Parent PLUS Loan Alternative. Some schools have institutional loan programs specifically for families who can't qualify for PLUS but don't want their students taking on too much debt. These programs often have more flexible credit requirements. Also, with your SAI of 7850, double-check that you received all the federal and state grants you're eligible for. That SAI should typically qualify for some Pell Grant funding, and many states have their own grants based on FAFSA info.
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Yuki Tanaka
•Thank you so much for mentioning this! Her package does include a $3,900 Pell Grant and a $2,100 state grant, but I'll definitely ask about PLUS alternatives. You've all been so helpful - feeling much more prepared to advocate for my daughter now.
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