FAFSA complications: How to fix Common App SAT score sharing mistake after application submission?

Don't panic!! This is actually a pretty common issue and not related to FAFSA at all. The Common App and FAFSA are completely separate systems. Her financial aid won't be affected by this SAT checkbox mistake.

I work in college admissions. Here's what you should do: have your daughter email each college's admissions office directly. Include her application ID number and clearly explain the mistake. Most schools are understanding about this kind of thing, especially with test-optional policies these days. Just be polite and straightforward.

my son did the EXACT same thing last year lmao. he just emailed all the schools and they were cool about it. colleges know people make stupid mistakes on applications all the time

Speaking as someone who's handled financial aid at a university for over 15 years, I can assure you this Common App mistake has ZERO impact on her FAFSA or financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA uses your tax information and the Student Aid Index (SAI) formula to determine aid eligibility. Test scores are purely for admissions decisions, not financial aid calculations. However, if you're still having trouble contacting admissions offices, I'd recommend Claimyr (claimyr.com) for reaching FSA directly with any financial aid concerns. They have a helpful video demo at https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ that shows how to get through to actual humans at Federal Student Aid without the endless holds. It's especially useful during peak FAFSA season when everyone's trying to call.

Wait why would she NOT want to share SAT scores? Most schools are test optional now but good scores can only help not hurt???

This happened to me too!!!! I checked the wrong box for AP scores (said I was sending them when I wasn't). I literally spent THREE DAYS freaking out and then my counselor told me to just email the schools. 2 of them never even responded but I got in anyway so I guess they didn't care? The whole college application process is SO STRESSFUL omg

Just to clarify a technical point: while the FAFSA and Common App are separate, some schools do use a holistic review that considers both academic merit and financial need together. For schools that aren't fully need-blind, there could theoretically be some minor overlap in how they view her complete application package. That said, the checkbox about sharing SAT scores on the Common App is primarily a permission flag for the colleges - it doesn't automatically send scores. She would still need to have College Board send official scores. If she never did that, most colleges won't even notice the discrepancy between her checking "yes" and no scores arriving.

one more thing - make sure she doesn't send like 10 desperate emails about this lol. colleges hate that. one clear email is enough

As a financial aid officer, I want to echo what others have said - this Common App mistake absolutely will not impact her FAFSA or financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA uses income data, family size, and assets to calculate her Student Aid Index (SAI), not test scores. For the SAT issue itself, definitely have her send that clarification email to each school's admissions office. Most schools have robust systems to track these kinds of corrections, and admissions officers are used to handling application updates. Just make sure she includes her full name, date of birth, and Common App ID in the email so they can easily locate her file. One practical tip: if any school has an online portal where she can check her application status, she should monitor those after sending the emails to see if they update her file to show "test optional" status.

I'm new to this whole college application process and reading through this thread has been so educational! My younger sibling will be applying next year and I had no idea that FAFSA and Common App were completely separate systems. This gives me confidence that even if we make similar mistakes, it won't ruin everything. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - it really helps those of us who are still figuring all this out!