FAFSA reevaluation still pending but school threatening registration hold - need urgent help!

Yes, this happens more often than you'd think. Schools operate on different timelines than FAFSA processing. Here's what you need to do immediately: 1. Email your financial aid counselor AND their supervisor (look up the org chart on the school website) 2. Forward the bursar's letter as an attachment 3. Request an immediate registration hold exemption while your reevaluation is pending 4. Get written confirmation that your classes are secure The key phrase you want to use is "pending financial aid reevaluation due to significant change in family circumstances." Make sure to CC the bursar's office on this communication. Schools have internal processes for this situation, but you need to be proactive in connecting the dots between departments.

omg this happened to me last year!! the financial aid office and bursars office literally NEVER talk to each other. its like the right hand doesnt know what the left is doing. i had to physically go sit in the financial aid office and refuse to leave until someone helped me lol. they ended up putting a temp hold on my account so my classes wouldn't get dropped. bring snacks and be prepared to wait!!!

This is unfortunately common with financial aid reevaluations (often called Professional Judgment or PJ requests). The reevaluation process doesn't automatically stop payment deadlines, and many schools have separate systems for financial aid processing and registration/bursar functions. I recommend: 1. Get written documentation from the financial aid office stating your reevaluation is in process 2. Request a temporary deferment from the bursar's office (bring the documentation) 3. Ask about an installment plan as a backup option 4. Make sure your SAI (Student Aid Index) recalculation will actually cover the outstanding balance - reevaluations don't always result in the aid amount students expect Keep in mind that while FAFSA creates your initial SAI score, schools have final determination on aid packages, especially for reevaluations based on special circumstances. Document everything and get names of everyone you speak with.

When I was trying to reach financial aid last year for my verification issues, I wasted DAYS trying to get through. Literally called 30+ times. Finally used a service called Claimyr that got me connected to a live person at FSA in about 20 minutes. They can't solve your school issues directly, but they can verify your FAFSA status which gives you leverage with your school. I watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ) before using it and it worked exactly as shown. Their site is claimyr.com if you're interested. Having that federal confirmation that your FAFSA was properly submitted helped me get my school to move faster.

THE SCOOL FINANCIAL AID OFFICE IS THE WORST!!!! They did this EXACT same thing to me and my daughter last semester! They dont care AT ALL about students, just want there $$$$ even when ur WAITING on THEM!!! The whole system is RIGGED!!!!

have u tried talking to ur academic advisor? mine helped me when i had a similar issue, she contacted someone in financial aid directly

This kind of situation is why I always recommend students submit reevaluation requests (Professional Judgment requests) as early as possible - ideally by April for the following fall semester. Summer is the busiest time for financial aid offices as they're processing thousands of incoming freshman packages while also handling continuing student issues. For your immediate situation, you need to request what's called a "Pending Aid Hold" on your account. Most schools have this process specifically for situations where aid is still being processed. The key is to get the financial aid office to confirm in writing that your reevaluation is in process, then take that to the bursar's office. One thing to note - if your dad lost his job, make sure the financial aid office is aware of your current expected income. The reevaluation should include both the job loss and the projected annual income for this year. Some schools only adjust for the change in circumstances without accounting for the ongoing financial impact.

my roommate went through this last semester. she ended up having to put down a partial payment of like $1000 to hold her spot in classes while they finished the review. might be worth asking if thats an option if u can scrape together some cash temporarily

Quick update check - have you made any progress with the financial aid office yet? Sometimes these situations require daily follow-up to get resolution.

That's good progress! The payment plan is a smart backup. One additional suggestion - make sure to check if your school has emergency grants available. Many institutions have funds specifically for situations like yours where there's a gap between expected aid and current charges. These grants often don't need to be repaid and can help bridge the timing gap while your reevaluation is being processed. Also, verify that your reevaluation will actually make a significant difference in your SAI score. With the new FAFSA formula for 2025-2026, income changes affect your aid differently than in previous years. The financial aid office should be able to give you an estimate of how your revised SAI might impact your total aid package.

When my cousin had this happen, his mom went to the Dean of Students office and explained the situation. Apparently they have some power to intervene in these cases and can put a hold on the administrative drop while things get sorted out. Might be worth trying that angle too.