FAFSA corrections locked while school commitment deadlines approach - what to do?

we're in exactly the same boat with my son. his dream school costs $58k and they've offered merit but without the FAFSA processed we have no idea if we can afford it. we requested an extension on the May 1 deadline and they gave us until May 15, which probably still won't be enough time but at least it's something. DEFINITELY talk to all the financial aid offices and ask for deadline extensions!!

I work in financial aid at a university (not one your daughter is considering, obviously). Most schools are being flexible this year because of the FAFSA disaster. When you speak with financial aid, ask them for an "estimated aid package" based on your financial information. Many schools are doing this to help families make decisions. They'll make you sign something acknowledging it's just an estimate, but it can give you a ballpark figure to work with until the official FAFSA is processed.

This whole FAFSA situation is RIDICULOUS!! My daughter got into 5 schools and NONE of them have her financial aid ready. The system said I didn't sign either, but I DID!! I've spent HOURS trying to get through to someone at Federal Student Aid with no luck. Phone lines always busy or they hang up on you. The government completely botched this rollout and now our kids are paying the price. I'm so angry I could scream.

my sons school extended the deadline to June 1 cuz of all the FAFSA problems. maybe ask if thats an option?

Here's what I recommend as a financial aid consultant: 1. Request a deadline extension from ALL schools your daughter is considering - most are granting at least 2 weeks 2. Ask for an estimated aid package based on your financial information (bring tax documents) 3. Consider submitting a deposit to hold her spot at her top choice (usually $500-1000) - you may lose this if you ultimately choose another school, but it buys you time 4. If FAFSA corrections open (reportedly April 23), make your correction immediately and ask the school about their processing timeline 5. Compare the merit scholarships carefully - sometimes a school with slightly lower merit might offer better need-based aid once FAFSA is processed This FAFSA cycle has been unprecedented in its problems, but schools are generally being accommodating if you communicate proactively.

This happened to me too!!! Except mine says missing parent signature for my husband who DEFINITELY signed it. So frustrating. I think the whole system is broken this year. I've talked to our top choice school and they basically said they're processing FAFSAs as quickly as they can but they're overwhelmed too. Ugh. Good luck to your daughter!

Has anyone had any success with getting their SAI (Student Aid Index) number directly from Federal Student Aid instead of waiting for schools to process it? I heard that might be possible but can't figure out how to do it.

schools should just move ALL the deadlines cuz of how bad fafsa is this year. so stupid to make kids commit without knowing if they can afford it. my daughter picked her safety school just cuz we KNOW we can afford it without aid, even tho she got into better schools. the whole thing is making me so mad!!

One more piece of advice - make sure you document ALL communication with both Federal Student Aid and the schools' financial aid offices. Get names of who you speak with, dates, and what was discussed. If there's a dispute later about deadlines or why you couldn't commit by May 1, having this documentation will be crucial. Many schools are creating exception processes for this unusual year.