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i waited until december last year and the site crashed like crazy. took me THREE DAYS to submit because of all the errors. don't procrastinate like me lol. and if you get stuck, use the chatbot on studentaid.gov - it actually helped me fix an error when i couldn't figure out why my form wouldn't submit
One more thing to check - make sure you're using an UPDATED browser when you go to submit. My sister tried using an old version of Internet Explorer last year and nothing worked right. Chrome and Firefox usually work best for the FAFSA site. And clear your cookies/cache if you run into weird errors!
My cousins SAI calculation was totally wrong because his mom forgot to sign and they submitted a correction too late. Then he got way less money than he shouldve. This whole systems a mess.
That's not quite how it works. The SAI calculation doesn't change based on when signatures are submitted. If the calculation was incorrect, it was likely due to incorrect information on the original application, and the correction was processed after aid was already awarded. Always best to get everything right the first time, but signature timing itself doesn't affect the calculation.
UPDATE: My dad just signed it! The status changed to "processing" immediately. Thanks everyone for the advice - I'll email my schools in the morning to let them know about the delay. Fingers crossed they'll still consider me for full aid packages despite missing the priority deadline by a few days.
Great news! Most schools build in buffer time for these exact situations. Keep an eye on your email for your SAI calculation, which should come through in 3-5 business days. Then follow up with each school to confirm they've received your completed FAFSA.
Be prepared to FIGHT for your aid! Don't just accept whatever they offer first - if it's less than expected, appeal immediately and cite the technical issues with the signature as the reason!
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.
btw has anyone told u to check if ur eligible for state financial aid too? some states have separate programs for students who don't qualify for federal aid for various reasons. virginia might have something!
UPDATE: I've made some progress! I spoke with the financial aid office at my new university, and they were surprisingly helpful. The counselor said they've handled several cases like mine before. I'm putting together a documentation package with: 1. My personal statement 2. Letter from my employer 3. Letter from my Medicaid caseworker 4. Letter from a professor who's been mentoring me online 5. My lease, bills, and tax returns showing self-sufficiency The financial aid counselor also mentioned they have some institutional funds they can use to help students in unique situations, even if the FAFSA override isn't approved. I'm feeling much more hopeful now! Thank you all for the advice and support.
Amara Torres
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? 🤔
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Sebastian Scott
•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.
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Gabriel Graham
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!
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Drake
•Congrats!!! The feeling of finally submitting that form is SUCH a relief. Hope you get good news on your SAI score!!
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Jordan Walker
•Great to hear you got it submitted! Just as a heads-up, with all these system issues, SAI (Student Aid Index) calculations are taking about 5-7 business days longer than usual to process. Don't panic if you don't see your results right away.
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