Oh no, I had no idea! How do I find out which schools require CSS Profile?

You can check each school's financial aid website - they'll list all required forms. Generally, it's private colleges and universities that require the CSS Profile in addition to FAFSA. Public universities usually just need FAFSA. The CSS Profile has a fee, but fee waivers are available for eligible students.

For those struggling with the signature glitch, here's the technical explanation: The new FAFSA system has enhanced security protocols that sometimes conflict with browser cache data or certain browser security settings. Troubleshooting steps in order of effectiveness: 1. Clear browser cache and cookies 2. Try a different browser (Firefox and Edge seem most compatible) 3. Try a mobile device (uses different verification protocols) 4. Wait 24 hours for system reset (if it's a server-side issue) 5. Create a new email address and re-register your FSA ID (extreme cases) Regarding the SAI concerns - the shift from EFC to SAI was intended to better reflect actual ability to pay, but the implementation has been rocky. The key thing to understand is that while the numbers have changed, how schools use them is also adjusting. Many institutions are recalibrating their institutional aid formulas to account for the general increase in SAI figures.

@profile5 Did you end up resolving the issues? I'm curious if the cache clearing worked for the signature problem. And definitely pursue that appeal for the medical expenses - my sister got her SAI reduced by almost $3K last year for similar reasons.

UPDATE: We got it figured out! My daughter created her FSA ID and started a new application. I did lose all my previously entered information, but now we're on the right track. For anyone else who makes this mistake - you definitely need to have the STUDENT start the application first! Thank you all for your help.

Glad you figured it out! Honestly they should rename the parent section to "contributor section" or something so it's more obvious. My kid was also confused cause he thought I could just do the whole thing for him lol

UPDATE: I tried the Claimyr service someone mentioned above and IT WORKED!! Got connected to a FAFSA agent in about 15 minutes instead of endless hold time. They identified the problem right away - there was a mismatch between how my name was entered in the FSA ID system versus the FAFSA form (middle initial in one, full middle name in the other). The agent fixed it on their end AND flagged my application with a special note so it won't get caught in the signature loop again. They also sent an email to my daughter's schools explaining the delay was due to a system error, not our negligence. Never would have figured this out without getting a real person who could actually see both systems. Worth every penny to not waste another day on hold!

Thank you everyone for all the helpful suggestions! I'm going to try a combination approach: 1. First, I'll use Claimyr to speak with an actual FSA agent (since multiple people had success with this) 2. Request both electronic AND paper signature verification 3. Check for email/name mismatches between FSA ID and FAFSA form 4. Get my school's financial aid office involved as an advocate 5. Document everything with case numbers and confirmation screenshots I'll update this thread once I get it resolved in case anyone else runs into the same issue. This has been so stressful!

my friend did the beta and said the income section was SUPER confusing... kept asking for weird tax line items she couldnt find. but maybe it was just her situation? i have self-employment income so now im worried itll be a mess for me too

honestly for ED applications at css schools i wouldnt even bother with the beta. my daughter got accepted ED last year and the school didnt even look at fafsa until january anyway. css profile is what matters for the early packages