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idk but we added schools on 4/22 and they showed up right away? maybe try deleting cookies or using different browser? just a thought
Update for everyone following this thread - I just checked with a colleague who works in financial aid processing, and they confirmed there was a system-wide issue affecting school list updates during the first week of May. The good news is that despite the visual glitch in the FAFSA portal, the schools ARE receiving your information correctly in most cases. The Department of Education is aware of the issue and working on fixing the display problem. But as others have suggested, contacting the schools directly to verify receipt is the safest approach right now.
Thank you so much for checking and providing this update! This is extremely helpful and gives me a lot of peace of mind. I'll still follow up with the schools but it's good to know this is a system-wide issue that's being addressed.
I work in a financial aid office, and here's some insider perspective: FSA actually did implement some system changes after last year's disastrous rollout. They added more customer service reps and improved some of the training. However, they're still understaffed for the volume they handle, especially during peak periods. The best times to call are typically Tuesday-Thursday, either early morning (8-9am) or later afternoon (4-5pm). Avoid Mondays and Fridays at all costs - wait times are often double. Also, if you're calling about a technical issue rather than a policy question, specifically request a technical specialist when prompted about your issue.
This is super helpful insight! I'll schedule my calls for Thursday afternoons from now on. Is there a specific way to phrase issues to get to more experienced reps?
i dont think its better...just random luck. waited 3 hrs yesterday and gave up. my school deadline is next week and still cant get my sai score to show up correctly. system says "calculation in progress" for 2 weeks now. does anyone know if schools will accept pending fafsa or do they need the complete processed version??
Most schools require a fully processed FAFSA with a valid SAI score before they'll create your aid package. However, if you're bumping against a deadline, email your school's financial aid office with documentation that you've submitted your FAFSA and are waiting for processing. Many schools will hold your place in line for aid if you can prove you submitted before their deadline.
One more thing to consider - make sure your daughter knows about the UC Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program. If she goes to CC for 2 years and meets specific requirements, she can get a guaranteed admission to one of six UC campuses (Davis, Irvine, Merced, Riverside, Santa Barbara, or Santa Cruz). This wouldn't work for a 1-year transfer, but might be worth considering if she's worried about getting back into a UC. She should also check if her specific UC offers any special scholars programs for transfers. Some have special pathways for certain majors or partnerships with specific community colleges.
btw your daughters eligible for unsubsidized loans too not just the subsidized ones! maybe another 5500 i think? ppl forget those sometimes. its still loans but might help with decision
That's correct. For first-year undergraduate students, the total federal loan limit is typically $5,500 for dependent students, with up to $3,500 of that amount in subsidized loans and the remainder in unsubsidized. Some students are eligible for more depending on their circumstances. The interest is the main difference - subsidized loans don't accrue interest while in school, unsubsidized start accruing immediately.
I've been working in financial aid for 12 years and this is THE WORST rollout I've ever seen. The simplified FAFSA was supposed to make things easier but the technical problems have been endless. Please be patient with your schools' financial aid offices - we're just as frustrated as you are! One tip: if your student is deciding between schools, contact each financial aid office directly. Many have institutional funds they can use while waiting for official FAFSA processing.
wait ur saying they're actually getting through applications from January NOW? maybe there's hope for my December app then lol
Rosie Harper
this is why the whole system is so frustrating!! why cant everything just be connected automatically??? common app should just tell fafsa when you add schools. so dumb.
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Mateusius Townsend
I was in your shoes last year! Added the school on FAFSA in February and everything worked out fine. One tip: after making the correction, wait 3 days then call the financial aid office at the new school to confirm they received it. Don't just assume the system worked. Better to be proactive!
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Darren Brooks
•That's good advice - I'll definitely follow up with them. I'm feeling much better about the whole situation now. Thanks everyone!
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