One other thing to check - log into studentaid.gov and look at your actual application. Sometimes there will be a status indicator next to specific sections that need attention. My daughter's got held up because even though the overall status just said "in review," when we clicked into the application detail page, there was a small warning symbol next to the parent information section that was easy to miss.

Following up on your latest discovery - yes, a truncated SSN could absolutely cause a processing delay. The system needs to match parent information with IRS records, and if the SSN isn't complete, it creates a verification issue. If you're able to correct that information in the application, do so immediately. After making the correction, I'd recommend using the contact solution someone mentioned above or trying the FSA email support option. Specifically mention that you identified and corrected an SSN display issue, as this might help prioritize your application review. In the meantime, still proceed with contacting your daughter's financial aid office to explore provisional aid options while waiting for the official SAI.

Have you tried completing the parent contributor section all in one sitting without saving and coming back? That worked for my husband who's also military (in Japan). Something about the way it saves progress internationally was causing problems for us.

after u get this fixed (hopefuly soon!!!) make sure u document EVERYTHING for next year...the whole process and who u talked to and what fixed it. my cousin works in financial aid and says the system problems aren't gonna be totally fixed for at least another full cycle. military families overseas are having tons of issues with the new system. good luck!!

Correct - an Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan is definitely NOT free money! That's a loan that starts accruing interest immediately, even while you're still in school. Schools often include both subsidized and unsubsidized loans in their "financial aid package" which can be misleading. Here's a quick breakdown: - Grants/Scholarships: Free money, never repaid - Subsidized loans: You repay later, but no interest while in school - Unsubsidized loans: You repay later WITH interest that starts accumulating immediately - Parent PLUS loans: Your parents take on debt (often at higher interest rates) Some schools will present a package that "covers 100% of need" but includes $20K+ in loans. Always look at the breakdown!

Thank you all for the helpful advice! I'm going to wait for all my aid packages to arrive, then make a detailed spreadsheet comparing the TRUE costs after free aid. I'll also look into appealing if my top choice doesn't offer enough. I appreciate knowing that May 1st is the standard deadline, so I have time to make a careful decision. This has been so much clearer than what my high school counselor told us!

D3 coach here. That's a legitimate comment, though perhaps phrased in a way that sounds shadier than it is. While D3 schools can't offer athletic scholarships, coaches often have influence with admissions and can advocate for merit scholarships for desirable recruits. Some schools also have "leadership" scholarships or other merit-based awards that aren't technically athletic but may favor students with demonstrated excellence in various areas including athletics. This isn't guarantee of specific amounts though - more of an indication that the coach will advocate for your son in the financial aid process. Ask for clarity about what specific scholarship opportunities their recruited athletes typically receive.

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I think our plan now is to: 1) Submit FAFSA as early as possible after Oct 1 2) Use the Net Price Calculators for each school on his list 3) Prepare for CSS Profile for the private schools 4) Talk to his coach about potential merit aid opportunities 5) Have honest conversations about what we can realistically afford I feel much less overwhelmed now! One last question - for his dream school that might be a financial stretch, should we apply Early Decision or would that put us at a disadvantage for negotiating financial aid later?

After trying that Claimyr service I mentioned, I actually got through and have an update to share - they were able to put my account in admin forbearance while they investigate why my recertification wasn't processed. The rep confirmed they should have disclosed the new interest rate and recommended I submit a complaint through the CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) about that specific issue. Apparently that gets fast attention from the loan servicers.

One additional thing to be aware of - even if you get an administrative forbearance, interest may still accrue during this period unless you specifically get an interest-free forbearance (which is rare). Make sure you ask about this specifically when you speak with your servicer so you understand the full financial impact.