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The whole FAFSA process is DESIGNED to be difficult to discourage people from applying. Change my mind. They don't want to give out aid so they make the process as painful as possible. Notice how the glitches ALWAYS get fixed right AFTER the priority deadlines pass? 🤔
While I understand your frustration, these issues are actually the result of the major FAFSA Simplification Act changes being implemented. The system was completely overhauled for 2025-2026, and unfortunately, any large software deployment tends to have bugs. The Department of Education has actually extended many deadlines in recognition of these technical issues.
UPDATE: Thanks everyone for the helpful suggestions! I ended up following the advice to use a desktop computer with Chrome, and that solved my problem. For anyone else struggling with this issue, here's what worked: 1. Used Windows laptop (not iPad/mobile) 2. Cleared browser cache completely 3. Disabled Chrome autofill 4. Used keyboard Tab key to navigate between fields I was finally able to enter the correct DOB and complete my application. Now fingers crossed for a decent aid package!
Congrats!!! The feeling of finally submitting that form is SUCH a relief. Hope you get good news on your SAI score!!
After reviewing all the comments, here's what I recommend: 1. Have your daughter check her college portals to see if her FAFSA was received 2. Contact one of her school's financial aid offices directly 3. If you need immediate confirmation from FSA directly (which is the most reliable option), consider using a service like the one mentioned to get through to an agent Given that you were able to complete your portion and link to her application, it's highly likely everything is properly submitted. The email system has been notoriously unreliable this cycle.
Thank you so much for this clear breakdown of next steps. I feel much better having a plan. I'm going to start with checking the college portals tonight, then contact the financial aid office tomorrow. If I still need confirmation after that, I'll try reaching FSA directly.
btw make sure u tell ur daughter to keep checking her email and fsa portal regularly cuz sometimes they ask for verification after everything looks completed. my son got asked for tax documents 3 weeks after we thought everything was done. almost missed the deadline!!!
That's great advice - thank you! I'll make sure she checks both regularly. This process is so much more complicated than when I was in college!
Quick update for everyone in this thread - the Department of Education announced yesterday that they're experiencing higher than normal processing volumes right now, and some applications may take up to 10 business days to process. This is temporary and they're working to speed things up. If your application takes longer than 10 business days, then you should definitely contact them as something else might be wrong.
Thanks for the update! That explains a lot. I'll try to be patient for a few more days before panicking.
UPDATE: Just got my SAI this morning! Took exactly 5 business days. For anyone else waiting - hang in there! And thanks everyone for the advice about the housing application - I contacted the school and they said the FAFSA confirmation number is fine for now as long as I update them when I get my actual aid package.
the SAI is that new thing right? i thought we still used EFC? this whole new FAFSA system is so confusing ugh
You're partially right - the SAI (Student Aid Index) replaced the EFC (Expected Family Contribution) starting with the 2024-2025 FAFSA. They serve a similar purpose in determining aid eligibility, but the calculation method changed. The confusion is understandable since this transition has been rolling out with the simplified FAFSA.
UPDATE: I finally got my SAI this morning! It appeared on my SAR and the status changed from 'processing' to 'processed' on studentaid.gov. Took exactly 25 days from submission. For anyone else waiting, just hang tight - it does eventually come through. Now I need to figure out what this SAI number actually means for my aid package...
Great news! Your SAI is used by your school to determine your financial need (Cost of Attendance minus SAI). Lower numbers mean more need-based aid eligibility. Now your school can start putting together your financial aid package with grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. Make sure to check your school portal regularly for updates.
Liam Sullivan
BEWARE that if your cousin gets any outside scholarships he HAS TO report them to financial aid office!!! My kid got a $2000 Kiwanis scholarship and didn't tell the school and they found out and REDUCED his aid package by $2000!!!! Said it was "scholarship displacement" which is COMPLETE BS but apparently legal in most states!!!!!
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Mei Chen
•This is unfortunately correct in many cases. Federal rules require schools to adjust aid packages when outside scholarships create an "over-award" situation (total aid exceeding cost of attendance or financial need). However, good financial aid offices will try to reduce loans first rather than grants. Some states (Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey) have passed laws against scholarship displacement, but it's still common practice elsewhere.
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Jamal Harris
Thank you all SO much for this incredibly helpful information! I've made notes of all the key points: - Submit FAFSA as close to October 1 as possible - Check Michigan's March 1 deadline AND individual school deadlines - Look into the CSS Profile for private schools - Consider work-study opportunities - Be strategic about outside scholarships This has been so much more helpful than the confusing info on the financial aid websites. Really appreciate everyone taking the time to share your knowledge and experiences!
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Mei Chen
•Happy to help! One last tip - make sure your cousin lists at least 4-5 schools on the FAFSA application, even if he's not 100% sure about applying to all of them. You can always add more schools later, but having them listed from the start ensures they get the information as early as possible. Best of luck to both of you!
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