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UPDATE: We got it figured out! My son had to specifically invite me as a contributor from his account - we completely missed that step. Once he sent the invitation, I got an email with a link to complete my portion. Just submitted everything and got the confirmation. Thanks everyone for your help!
bro my mom had the EXACT same issue when we did our FAFSA last month!!! the new system is so stupid. we ended up having to make her a whole new FSA ID because the first one somehow got linked to my account wrong?? made no sense
One last bit of advice: make sure your son uses the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when completing his portion of the FAFSA. Even with a simple W-2 situation, this tool can help ensure the income information is transferred accurately. If he filed his own taxes for 2023 (even if his father claimed him as a dependent), the DRT will make the process much smoother.
Yes, if he didn't file taxes, you'll need to manually enter his W-2 information. Keep his W-2 handy when completing the FAFSA. You'll need to enter the exact amount from Box 1 (Wages, tips, other compensation). Since he didn't file taxes, the IRS Data Retrieval Tool won't be available for his portion. Just be sure to answer the question about filing taxes accurately by indicating he was not required to file a 2023 tax return.
I fild my borrower defense last year and still waiting... good luck with the wait its KILLING ME!!!!
One thing nobody mentioned - make copies of EVERYTHING before you submit. My friend lost all her documentation when her computer crashed and had to start over. I keep copies in 3 places (computer, cloud, and printed). Also, be prepared for a LONG wait. The Dept of Ed is severely backlogged with these applications.
Have you gotten any info on how this affects Parent PLUS loan applications? My daughter's FAFSA finally processed but now I'm worried about the loan getting delayed too if my name doesn't match there as well...
Yes, the Parent PLUS loan application pulls from the same FSA ID system, so the name must match your official records with the Social Security Administration. If you've updated your FSA ID, wait about 3 business days before applying for the Parent PLUS loan to ensure the systems have synchronized. The credit check for the PLUS loan will be performed using the SSN and legal name on file.
lol the FAFSA is such a joke. spent 3 months fixing a "data mismatch" last yr just to get $900 in aid. waste of time. just take out private loans and save urself the headache tbh
While the process can be frustrating, I would strongly advise against skipping the FAFSA in favor of private loans. Federal student loans offer income-driven repayment plans, forgiveness options, and fixed interest rates that private loans typically don't provide. Many schools also require a completed FAFSA to access institutional scholarships, even if you don't qualify for federal grants. The average undergraduate receives over $9,000 in aid through the FAFSA, so the effort is usually worthwhile.
Nia Williams
just make sure she keeps her grades up at CC!!! my neighbors kid had bad grades when transfering and didn't qualify for some scholarship money at the university. the GPA follows u!!!!
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Mateo Gonzalez
One additional tip - make sure your daughter talks to academic advisors at BOTH the community college AND her target university during her first semester. Many universities have specific transfer agreements with community colleges that guarantee admission if certain requirements are met. They can also provide a transfer course equivalency guide to ensure the classes she takes at community college will count toward her business degree requirements. This early planning can save time and money by preventing her from taking classes that won't transfer or won't count toward her major. Some universities even have scholarships specifically for transfer students with good GPAs from partner community colleges.
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MoonlightSonata
•That's excellent advice. I hadn't thought about checking with the university this early. We know which state university she wants to transfer to, so we'll definitely reach out to both schools about transfer agreements. Thank you!
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