One more important thing to understand about the SAI - many colleges are still figuring out how to use it in their aid formulas since it's new. The SAI can actually go as low as -1500 (which wasn't possible with the old EFC), and this can mean more aid for very low-income families. While you're waiting, make sure your daughter has completed any school-specific financial aid forms too. Some schools have their own forms in addition to the FAFSA, like the CSS Profile for private colleges. Those forms aren't affected by the FAFSA delays.

Update: I finally got through to FSA and found out that applications submitted in the first two weeks of January got caught in a massive processing backlog. The rep told me they're working through them chronologically. January 1st submissions should be fully processed by end of this week according to them. STILL RIDICULOUS but at least there's a timeline now.

my son and i had to do the fafsa thing 3 times before it worked right lol. the new system is so confusing compared to last year!! but we finally got it working when we both made separate accounts. good luck!!!

UPDATE: I called the Federal Student Aid number this morning using that Claimyr service someone mentioned (which actually worked!). The agent confirmed I need to have my incorrect FSA ID deactivated before creating a new parent one. She took care of it on the spot and said I can create the new parent ID tomorrow (there's a 24-hour waiting period). Then my daughter needs to create her own student ID, and she'll start the application and add me as a contributor. Thanks everyone for the help - would have been completely lost without your advice!

just wondering but does ur dad live with u? my parents r divorced and i had THE WORST time trying to get my dad to do his part. ended up having to go to his house and literally sit there while he filled it out. the whole system is designed for traditional families i swear

One important thing to know - if your dad's email is gmail, there's a known issue with FAFSA invites going to the "Promotions" or "Updates" tab instead of the main inbox. Have him check ALL tabs in gmail. Also, once this is resolved, your SAI (Student Aid Index) calculation typically takes 3-5 business days if there are no verification issues. Make sure your school's financial aid office knows you've been dealing with technical issues so they can note it in your file if you end up cutting it close to their deadline.

When I applied for my son, his FAFSA was processed but showed 0 financial aid!!! They made a mistake because we definitely qualify. I had to call and call and finally got it fixed. The system is BROKEN. Make sure you appeal whatever they offer you - schools have more money than they admit!!! Don't take the first offer!!

UPDATE: I finally found the Student Aid Report! For anyone else looking, I had to click on "My Documents" and then download the PDF file. Our SAI is 8,482. I guess now we just wait to hear from the colleges about actual aid amounts. Thanks everyone for your help!

Have you considered whether accelerating graduation is actually worth it financially? Sometimes taking an extra semester with full financial aid coverage is cheaper than paying for summer classes out-of-pocket or with loans. Calculate the difference between: 1. Cost of summer classes + potential loan interest 2. Income you'd earn by graduating early 3. Cost of an extra fall/spring semester (which would be covered by your full aid package) Many students assume graduating early always saves money, but that's not always true when full aid is involved.

Another option worth exploring: some schools allow you to take summer classes at a community college and transfer the credits. Community colleges are typically much cheaper, and some have their own summer aid programs. Just make sure the credits will transfer to your degree program by checking with your academic advisor first.