FAFSA parent vs. student order - do I need to let my senior start the application first?

Yes, your student needs to start the FAFSA application first! They create their FSA ID, then begin the application process by filling out their demographic info. Once they reach a certain point, they can add you as a contributor. You'll get an email invitation to create your own FSA ID (if you don't have one already) and complete the parent section. It's definitely a student-first process now with the redesigned FAFSA.

I just went thru this with my twins. The 2025-2026 FAFSA is completely different from previous years. Your senior MUST start the process by creating an FSA ID and beginning the application. They'll enter their personal info, then designate you as a contributor. You'll get an email with a link to contribute your section. DONT try to start without your student - the system won't let you!

Im in the same boat! My daughter and I tried doing it together but got so confused. She started her part but then when it asked for my info we couldnt figure out how to switch users without losing everything!! Had to start over twice

Financial aid advisor here! The redesigned FAFSA (as of 2024-2025) now requires students to initiate the application. Here's the exact order: 1. Student creates FSA ID (if they don't already have one) 2. Student starts FAFSA application and completes their demographic section 3. Student adds parent(s) as contributor(s) in the application 4. Parent receives email invitation with a link 5. Parent creates FSA ID (if needed) and completes their section 6. Student returns to complete any remaining sections and submit What you CAN do now: gather your tax documents, create your FSA ID if you don't have one, and make sure your student creates their FSA ID. The actual application sections must follow the order above.

Been calling student aid for TWO WEEKS trying to fix our contributor issue. My daughter added me but I never got the email. We tried resending it multiple times. NIGHTMARE. Can't get through to anyone at FSA to fix it!!!! Their wait times are insane and I get disconnected every single time. This system is BROKEN.

am i the only one who thinks its weird that the parents have to wait for their kids to start? like who is actually paying for college here lol

To answer your follow-up question - your son's initial section should take about 15-20 minutes if he has his social security number and basic information ready. It's mostly demographic information (name, address, citizenship status, etc.). After he designates you as a contributor, you'll receive an email, usually within minutes. Your parent section will take longer (30-45 minutes) because it includes all the financial information questions. One common issue: make sure your son enters YOUR email correctly when adding you as a contributor. Many families have problems because of typos in the email address.

Welcome to the FAFSA journey! As a newcomer to this process, I'm finding this thread incredibly helpful. It's reassuring to know that other parents are going through the same confusion with the new system. I had no idea that students had to initiate the process - I was planning to tackle the whole thing myself this weekend! Now I know to have my daughter start her section first. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and tips. This community is already proving invaluable for navigating what feels like a very overwhelming process.

As another first-time FAFSA parent, I'm so grateful for this thread! I was literally about to log onto studentaid.gov and try to start filling everything out myself before finding this discussion. The fact that my son has to initiate the process first is completely counterintuitive to me - I'm the one with all the financial documents and tax returns! But it sounds like there's no way around the new system requirements. I'll definitely be bookmarking this conversation and following @Nadia Zaldivar's step-by-step guide. It's comforting to know we're all figuring this out together. Thanks for asking the question that so many of us needed answered!