Something else to consider: some colleges actually look at your FAFSA information as part of their admissions decision process! It's not supposed to affect your chances of admission, but it can indicate your level of interest in the school. Plus, some schools want to make sure they can provide adequate financial aid before accepting students who might not be able to afford to attend.

UPDATE: Thank you all for the advice! I checked my schools' financial aid websites and found that 3 of them have priority deadlines in February. I sat down with my parents this weekend and we submitted my FAFSA. It actually wasn't as complicated as we feared (the IRS data transfer tool made the tax part super easy). I'm so glad I asked here instead of just listening to my mom about waiting! Will update again when I start getting aid packages.

u should DEF file those taxes ASAP!!! my cousin got the pell grant and then they did that verification thing 6 months later and she had to pay back ALL THE MONEY because her dad hadn't filed taxes or something. it was a nightmare for her!!

To answer your question about future aid: Yes, issues with verification can affect future aid eligibility. If a student has to return funds due to verification problems, they may be flagged in the system, which can delay or complicate future aid processing. It can also potentially affect Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements if the financial adjustments impact enrollment status. This is why it's crucial to maintain accurate and complete financial documentation for the entire period you're receiving aid.

my daughter had same problem. we were missing packaes from 6 schools she got into. financial aid office told us it was because we didnt fill out the CSS PROFILE for those schools!!!! FAFSA isnt enough for many private colleges. you have to do CSS too and its not free like FAFSA. cost us $25 per school to submit it late. check if your missing schools required CSS!!!

If that first package is any indication of what's coming, you might want to start looking at Plan B options now. We were in the same boat last year - excited about all the acceptances until we saw the actual cost after "aid." In the end, my daughter turned down her dream school for the state university because the difference was over $30k per year. Sometimes the package from one school does represent what you'll see from similar-tier schools. Just trying to help you prepare mentally! Start researching community college transfer programs as a backup.

Glad to hear you got it resolved! Make sure to tell your daughter to keep checking her SAI score in the coming weeks. The system should generate the SAI within 3-5 business days now that everything is properly submitted. If you don't see an SAI by then, that could indicate other issues that need addressing.

my daughters fafsa took foreverrr to process even after we both signed it properly! the whole system is so broken this year 🙄

everyone saying credit score doesn't matter is right. they ONLY look for bad stuff. my brother in law had like a 680 score which isn't even that great but got approved no problem because he didnt have any negative marks. its weird how they do it. BTW if u get denied u should look at Sallie Mae or Discover private loans. interest rates are higher but sometimes its the only option.

Update: I ended up applying yesterday and got an immediate denial due to the wage garnishment, even though it's paid off. I used that Claimyr service that someone recommended here to reach Federal Student Aid (after trying unsuccessfully for days on my own), and they were super helpful! The agent explained exactly what documentation I needed to submit for the extenuating circumstances appeal and how to present my case. I submitted everything yesterday afternoon and now I'm waiting to hear back. They said it usually takes 2-3 weeks, but sometimes faster. In the meantime, my twins' financial aid offices confirmed they'd be eligible for additional unsubsidized loans if my appeal doesn't go through. Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I'll post again when I hear the results of my appeal.