my daughter fixed her signature problem yesterday too! we're in the same boat. let me know if you hear anything back on yours and i'll do the same :

Quick update on processing times - I just spoke with an FSA representative yesterday who confirmed they are currently prioritizing applications with impending school deadlines. When you contact them, specifically mention your April 15th scholarship deadline, and ask if they can add a priority note to your application. This won't guarantee faster processing, but it may help. Also, make sure to check both the student AND parent emails for any communications, as sometimes verification requests go to the parent email even though the student is the primary applicant.

One more thing to check - log into the StudentAid.gov portal and go to the "My FAFSA" section. Look at the actual confirmation page and make sure it says "Processed Successfully" with a green checkmark, not just "Correction Submitted." Also, verify the school code is correct. Sometimes people accidentally select similar-named institutions (like University of Michigan-Ann Arbor vs. University of Michigan-Dearborn).

Not helpful to your current situation, but for future reference - when adding schools, I always recommend doing it during regular business hours then immediately calling both FSA and the financial aid office to confirm receipt. This year's FAFSA rollout has been a complete disaster compared to previous years.

I'd recommend sending a polite but direct email to each financial aid office with:\n1. Your full name and student ID\n2. FAFSA submission date (1/16) and processing date (3/28)\n3. Confirmation number from your FAFSA\n4. A specific request for confirmation that you'll still be considered for all aid programs\n\nKeep the email professional but mention you've been anxiously waiting due to the lengthy processing time. Financial aid officers are overwhelmed right now, but most are being understanding about the nationwide delays.

This is exactly what I needed - a template for what to include in my emails. Thank you so much for the specific guidance!

When I was doing my FAFSA I got confused about the same thing! But then my friend told me that this year you sign first then enter all the tax stuff after. Apparently on the old FAFSA you did it the other way around. Just go with it, it'll make sense once you get through that part.

Just to add some context - this change was part of the FAFSA Simplification Act that's been rolling out in phases. The signature-first approach actually helps prevent identity theft since you're verifying who you are before entering all your sensitive financial data. The Department of Education didn't communicate this change very well though. After you sign, you'll still enter all your tax info from your 1040 and W-2, plus any untaxed income and assets.

have u tried doordash or uber eats?? thats how i make ends meet. the pay isnt amazing but u can work whenever u want between classes. also check if ur school has any paid research positions - they usually pay better than regular campus jobs

After reading through this thread, I'd recommend this action plan: 1. First, visit your financial aid office ASAP to inquire about emergency grants/loans and request a Professional Judgment Review based on your changed circumstances 2. Use the Claimyr service mentioned above to speak directly with FSA about additional federal loan options 3. Check with your academic department about paid research or teaching assistant positions 4. Only after exhausting these options, look into Ascent or Funding U for their no-cosigner loan options Private loans should truly be your last resort. The difference in interest rates and repayment terms between federal and private loans can mean tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.