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FAFSA filing timing for fall 2025 Culinary School start + TOPS scholarship coordination
My daughter graduates high school in spring 2025 and has been accepted to a Culinary Arts program for the fall semester. I'm so confused about when exactly we should submit the FAFSA! The school mentioned something about 'priority deadlines' but didn't specify dates. We're in Louisiana, and she's also applying for TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students). Does the TOPS application affect when we should complete the FAFSA? Do we need to submit the FAFSA first, or can we do TOPS first? Getting really anxious about potentially missing out on aid because of timing issues. Any parents been through this recently with culinary schools specifically?
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FAFSA IRS data retrieval tool glitch - ready to give up on my son's education
I'm at my absolute wit's end with the FAFSA system. My son wants to attend HVAC trade school next fall but we're stuck in this ridiculous loop with the IRS data retrieval tool. We got an email saying the contributor (me) was successfully linked to the IRS, but now the application is getting kicked back saying we DIDN'T link to IRS. I've spent HOURS on the studentaid.gov site looking for where to re-link it but there's literally nowhere to do this! The portal just shows everything as "complete" but then we get these contradictory emails. Has anyone else dealt with this nonsense? I'm seriously about to tell my kid to just go find a job instead of trade school because dealing with this FAFSA garbage isn't worth the headache. Why make it SO complicated for families trying to get an education??
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BTW does anyone know if you get more financial aid for trade schools vs regular college? my younger son is trying to decide between community college or trade school for electrical work
The aid calculation through FAFSA is the same for both community colleges and accredited trade schools - your SAI will determine eligibility for Pell Grants and federal loans regardless of institution type. However, many trade schools have industry-specific scholarships that community colleges don't offer. I recommend your son check with specific electrical trade programs about their scholarship opportunities beyond federal aid.
UPDATE: I decided to try what @profile4 suggested and manually entered our tax info by selecting "unable to link to IRS" even though we technically could. It was a pain entering everything manually, but the system accepted it! Now it shows our application is complete, and we got a new email saying our SAI calculation is in process. Fingers crossed this finally works! Thanks everyone for your help and preventing me from giving up on my son's education over a stupid technical glitch.
That's fantastic news! The manual entry route isn't ideal but it does seem to be the most reliable workaround for this glitch. Your SAI should come through in about 3-5 days based on current processing times. And don't worry - manually entered tax information doesn't increase your chances of verification as long as the numbers match what's on your return.
FAFSA Application Glitch - Can't Submit or Reach Support. Help!
Hey everyone, I'm having some trouble with my FAFSA application. There seems to be a glitch in the system and I can't get through to anyone on the phone. Has anyone else experienced this? Any tips on how to get this resolved quickly? I'm worried about missing deadlines.
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Pro tip: Tweet at their official account. Sometimes they respond faster there than through official channels.
FAFSA application glitch - refund still not received after weeks. Help!
Hey everyone, I'm having some serious issues with my FAFSA application. I submitted it a while ago but there seems to be some kind of glitch in the system. I still haven't received my refund and it's been weeks. Has anyone else experienced this? Any advice on how to get this sorted out? I'm really stressing about my financial aid for next semester.
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Have you tried checking your application status online? Sometimes there are error codes or messages that can give you a clue about what's going wrong.
I did check online, but everything looks normal on my end. That's what's so confusing about this whole thing!
Hmm, that is weird. Might be worth trying to submit a correction just to see if it kickstarts something in their system?
Not to freak you out, but make sure this isn't some kind of scam or identity theft situation. Double check that you're using the official FAFSA website (should end in .gov) and maybe run a credit check just to be safe.
Oh geez, I hadn't even thought of that 😰 I'm pretty sure I used the right site, but I'll definitely double check. Thanks for the heads up!
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I found a way to solve student loan navigation challenges, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEMLC8ffM3M
Emma Wilson
Thanks everyone for the helpful info! I just called the culinary school, and they ARE on the TOPS eligible list (it's connected to a community college). The financial aid office also confirmed their priority deadline is February 15, 2025. So our plan now is: 1. Complete FAFSA as soon as it opens December 1 2. Set up the Louisiana Award System account 3. Verify with her high school that they'll submit all TOPS requirements 4. Double-check everything for accuracy to avoid verification delays Am I missing anything else?
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QuantumLeap
That's an excellent plan! The only other thing I'd add is to check if the culinary program requires any program-specific scholarship applications. Many culinary schools have industry-sponsored scholarships that require separate applications. Also, start gathering your 2023 tax documents now so you're ready when the FAFSA opens.
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ShadowHunter
My nephew did the TOPS thing and it was a DISASTER. They kept changing requirements and he lost funding after freshman year. Don't count on it staying consistent for all 4 years. Make sure you have a backup plan!!!
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Isabella Santos
This is important context - TOPS does have continuing eligibility requirements. After your daughter starts college, she must: - Maintain a 2.0 GPA at the end of her first academic year - Maintain a 2.5 GPA every year after that - Earn 24 credit hours each academic year - Be continuously enrolled full-time If she drops below these benchmarks, TOPS funding can be suspended or permanently lost. Many students don't realize how strict these requirements are, especially the credit hour requirements.
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