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UPDATE: Firefox worked!!! I finally got the e-signature page to load completely and was able to sign. For anyone else having this issue - try Firefox, disable pop-up blockers, and clear your cache first. Thanks everyone for the help!
Just wanted to share that I also got mine to work! I ended up having to call FSA directly (used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above to avoid the long hold) and they helped me troubleshoot. Turns out my account was partially locked because I had too many failed login attempts. They reset something on their end and then Firefox + clearing cache worked for me too!
Maybe this is a stupid question but what exactly is the SAI and why is it so important? My daughter is filling out her FAFSA next week and I'm trying to understand this whole system. Is the SAI what determines how much aid she'll get?
The SAI (Student Aid Index) replaced the old EFC (Expected Family Contribution) in the 2024-2025 cycle. It's a number that colleges use to determine your financial need and eligibility for different types of aid. Lower SAI = more need-based aid eligibility Higher SAI = less need-based aid eligibility It's important because it's used by every college to create their financial aid packages. The SAI itself isn't the final amount you'll pay - each school uses it differently in their calculations.
Update: We just got the SAI this morning - took exactly 9 days from when I completed the parent section. For anyone wondering, we received an email notification with a link to log in and view the SAI. Now my son has to make sure all his colleges receive it. Thanks everyone for your help!
One more important point: If you're going to appeal, do it IMMEDIATELY while requesting an extension on the enrollment deadline. Most schools will grant a short extension when there's a pending financial aid appeal. Be very clear with Bentley that you want to commit but cannot do so until the financial situation is resolved. Also, be prepared with a specific amount you CAN afford. Don't just say "we need more aid" - say something like "We can manage $25,000 per year through a combination of our savings and reasonable loans. Is there any way to bridge the gap between that and the current cost?
wait what about merit scholarships??? if ur son has 4.0 and AP classes he should qualify for TONS of merit money that has nothing to do with FAFSA! did he apply for those??
He did receive a $15k merit scholarship from Bentley, but that still leaves a huge gap. We applied for many outside scholarships too but haven't heard back from most of them yet. Do you know of any good scholarships that might still be accepting applications?
Check FastWeb and Scholarship.com for late-deadline scholarships. Also, local organizations often have scholarships with later deadlines - check with your local Rotary Club, Kiwanis, religious organizations, and your employer's HR department. Many companies offer scholarships for employees' children that aren't widely advertised.
my son just did this last week!! he had to click around his dashboard for a while but eventually found where to sign. the button was kinda hidden in the tasks section. tell him to look for "FAFSA waiting for signature" or something like that
Just following up - were you able to get your son's signature completed? Remember that after he signs, there's one more step: the form is officially submitted only after signing. You should both receive a confirmation email with a confirmation number once that happens. This is an important detail many people miss.
Dylan Campbell
my sister ignored that email last year and everything was fine for her freshman year. the fafsa system just sends those out to everyone i think. as long as u did the 24-25 one ur daughter should be good
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Jamal Carter
•Thanks for sharing your sister's experience! That's reassuring to hear.
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Liam O'Sullivan
Just to clarify a common misunderstanding - the 2023-2024 FAFSA covers Summer 2023, Fall 2023, and Spring 2024. The 2024-2025 FAFSA covers Summer 2024, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025. Since your daughter is starting in Fall 2024, she only needs the 2024-2025 form unless she takes summer courses before fall semester. If you're still concerned, you can always call your daughter's college financial aid office directly. They can confirm exactly which forms they need for incoming freshmen.
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Jamal Carter
•Thanks for breaking down the coverage periods so clearly! I think we're good with just the 2024-2025 form since she's starting in Fall 2024. Her college's financial aid office already sent an award letter based on the 2024-2025 FAFSA, so I guess that confirms they have what they need.
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