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Anyone else think it's RIDICULOUS they make us enter schools one at a time when they KNOW most students apply to multiple colleges? Just another way they make this process needlessly difficult. My son applied to 22 schools and we had to sit there clicking save 22 times. In 2025!!
My daughter is applying to 16 and I thought THAT was a lot! 22 schools? That's impressive. Did you have any issues with the 20 school limit? We're trying to figure out if we need to remove some initially and then add them back later.
Thank you all for the helpful responses! I'm glad to know we weren't the only ones with this issue. I've created a spreadsheet with all my daughter's school codes now in case we need to make changes later. I really appreciate all the tips - especially about the 20 school limit and how to reach the FSA if we run into problems!
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!
That's fantastic! Thank you for coming back to update us. I'm definitely going to try this approach. So tired of this whole process!
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!
Since your son needs to make a decision soon, I'd recommend a multi-pronged approach: 1. Call the FSA Information Center as suggested (1-800-433-3243) 2. Contact the financial aid offices at each school where he's been accepted 3. Ask the schools about provisional aid estimates based on the information you provided on your application 4. Inquire about deadline extensions due to FAFSA processing delays Most schools are aware of the issues with the new FAFSA system and have contingency plans in place. Some are offering provisional aid packages or extending deposit deadlines to accommodate these delays.
my son had this same issue last month. turns out there was some verification thing but they never sent an email about it. definitely call them to check. don't just wait.
btw be careful when u finally do get to make corrections! sometimes the system will randomly reset other sections when u update one part. happened to me and i didnt notice until after i resubmitted. make sure u review EVERYTHING again before final submit
Oh no, I hadn't even thought about that! Thanks for the warning - I'll definitely review the entire application before submitting corrections.
Update: I just checked the FSA website and they've posted about a known issue with the 2025-2026 FAFSA review cycles. They're currently experiencing longer than normal processing times when schools are added to existing applications. The good news is they're prioritizing applications with upcoming deadlines, so make sure to call and mention your son's priority deadline when you speak with them.
This is so helpful! Thank you for checking and letting me know. I'll definitely mention the deadline when I call them tomorrow.
Omar Fawaz
my cousin works for the dept of education and she said they're literally just putting paper forms in storage boxes right now because they cant keep up. they prioritize online applications cause of some new system they switched to. definitely do online!!!!
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Malik Davis
•This is not accurate information. While paper forms are significantly delayed, they are not being stored without processing. Please be careful about spreading misinformation - it causes unnecessary panic for students. Paper forms are being processed, just with substantial delays (8-12 weeks) compared to online submissions (2-3 weeks).
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Emma Wilson
Quick update based on recent Department of Education announcements: if you do submit online now, make sure you check the box indicating you previously submitted a paper form. This will flag your application for review to prevent duplicate SAI calculations. And remember that for the 2025-2026 cycle, you'll need to have your and your parents' 2023 tax information ready for the online form.
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AstroAdventurer
•Thank you! I just completed the online application and made sure to check that box. They did have a section asking if I'd previously submitted by mail. Hopefully this works out - cutting it close with my school's May 15th priority deadline!
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