FAFSA multi-child dilemma - can I copy info after first application submitted?

Unfortunately, the 2025-2026 FAFSA system doesn't have a way to copy parent information between applications. The old FAFSA had that feature, but it was removed during the FAFSA Simplification rollout. You'll need to manually enter the information again for each child. The good news is that at least you'll have all the same documents already gathered. Make sure to use identical information for consistency across all three applications - any discrepancies could trigger verification flags.

Similar situation last month - 2 kids in college. I ended up having to re-enter EVERYTHING for my second child. The worst part is I somehow made a small typo in one of the asset fields, and now their SAI scores are different by $2,800! Now I'm stuck in verification hell trying to fix it. Make sure you double-check every single number when you do the other applications!

this new fasfa is THE WORST!!!! i hat it soooo much. had to do 4 seperate ones for my kids last yr and got SO many errors. website kept crashing and then when i called the wait was like 3+ hours and they hung up on me twice!!!

I work in a college financial aid office, and unfortunately there's no way to transfer or copy information between applications in the current FAFSA system. However, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier: 1. Have all your documents organized before starting the next applications 2. Use the same parent FSA ID for consistency 3. Complete the applications in one sitting if possible 4. The system will automatically recognize multiple students in college through the parent information 5. Take screenshots of complex sections from the first application to reference Also, make sure you're entering information for the 2025-2026 award year correctly, as the income reporting requirements have changed from previous years.

Yes, the system will recognize multiple children in college through the parent information section. When you complete each child's FAFSA using the same parent FSA ID, the system connects these applications. However, you still need to complete each application individually and fully. The Student Aid Index (SAI) calculation will automatically account for multiple students when determining financial aid packages. One important note: All applications must be fully submitted and processed before the multiple-student adjustment is calculated. So if you only submit one or two applications, the full benefit won't be applied until all three are complete.

Try Claimyr if you need to speak with an actual FSA agent for help with this! I was in a similar situation with twins and needed specific guidance. After wasting hours on hold, I found claimyr.com and it got me connected to an FSA agent in about 10 minutes instead of the usual 2+ hour wait. They have this video demo that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ. The agent I spoke with was able to give me specific instructions for my multiple student situation. Way better than the generic info on the website!

Yes, it actually worked for me! I was skeptical too, but after being disconnected three times by the regular FSA line, I was desperate. Claimyr connected me with an agent in about 12 minutes, and I finally got my specific questions answered. The agent even stayed on the line while I navigated the website to make sure I was doing everything correctly.

The new FAFSA is a complete disaster for multi-student families. I had FOUR kids in college last year (yes, quadruplets!) and the system literally wasn't designed to handle our situation properly. I ended up having to file special circumstance forms with each school's financial aid office AFTER completing all the FAFSAs. The worst part? Each school handled it differently! Some adjusted automatically, others required tons of additional paperwork. Document EVERYTHING.

Honestly, what worked best was being SUPER persistent and documenting every conversation. I created a spreadsheet tracking every call, email, and document submission for each school. When I finally got to speak with actual financial aid counselors (not front desk staff), I found most were willing to help once they understood our situation. Also, each time I completed a FAFSA, I took screenshots of EVERY page so I could reference them for consistency. Good luck with your three FAFSAs!

did any1 else notice the fasfa website always crashes around midnight??? i tried doing my kids applications late night when i was off work and it kept giving errors!!!!

After helping dozens of families with the new FAFSA, here's my best advice for your situation: 1. Use a computer rather than mobile device for better stability 2. Complete the applications during off-peak hours (Tuesday-Thursday mornings seem best) 3. Have all tax documents, asset information, and your first child's completed FAFSA available for reference 4. Use the save feature frequently as you go 5. Verify all three applications show identical parent information The system will recognize that you have multiple children in college as long as you use the same parent FSA ID and consistent information across all applications.

The order doesn't matter for the SAI calculation itself - the system will recognize all three students once all applications are completed. However, I generally recommend completing applications in order of priority deadlines. If your children are applying to schools with different priority deadlines, start with whoever needs it submitted first. Otherwise, the order won't impact how their multiple-in-college status is processed by the federal system.

As someone who just went through this exact scenario with twins last year, I feel your pain! The removal of the transfer feature was such a huge step backwards. One thing that really helped me was creating a simple document with all the key numbers (AGI, assets, etc.) from the first application so I could copy/paste instead of having to look everything up again. Also, if you're using tax information that was imported via the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the first application, you'll need to use the same method for consistency across all three - don't mix imported data with manually entered data or you might trigger verification issues. The good news is that once all three are submitted, the multiple-in-college benefit should kick in automatically and significantly reduce your family contribution. Hang in there!