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CosmicVoyager

FAFSA submitted but son couldn't sign - now schools got it anyway?

Has anyone dealt with this FAFSA signature mess? Back in February, we completed our FAFSA application but got caught in that technical glitch where the system submitted before my son could add his signature. By April, our status showed "processed with errors" (missing signature), and the portal specifically said we couldn't fix it for several weeks due to system updates. But here's the crazy part - yesterday my son got an email from Westlake University saying they've received and processed our FAFSA information! How is that even possible? We literally haven't been able to submit the signature correction yet, and I thought schools couldn't access incomplete applications. I'm totally confused about whether his other schools got the incomplete information too, if we still need to fix the signature issue, or if something magical happened behind the scenes. The whole 2025-2026 FAFSA rollout has been such a nightmare!

Ravi Kapoor

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same thing with us!!! submitted in feb, daughter couldnt sign, but somehow 3 schools got the info anyway last week. the whole system is broken, im not even sure they know whats going on anymore

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CosmicVoyager

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It's beyond frustrating! Did you end up trying to fix the signature issue anyway, or are you just leaving it since schools somehow got the info?

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Freya Nielsen

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This is actually normal (though confusing). When FAFSA applications have the "processed with errors" status, they actually DO get sent to your selected schools in most cases. The schools receive the data along with error codes indicating what's missing. Most schools will then contact you directly about fixing specific issues. You still need to correct the signature issue when the system allows it, because some forms of financial aid (especially some grants) require a fully completed FAFSA with no errors. But the schools can begin their initial processing with what they received.

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CosmicVoyager

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Thank you for explaining! That makes so much more sense. We'll definitely fix the signature issue as soon as they allow us to. I was just panicking thinking some schools got it and others didn't.

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Omar Mahmoud

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they didn't explain this ANYWHERE on the website!! how are we supposed to know this stuff?! typical government efficiency 🙄

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Chloe Harris

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I'm having the EXACT OPPOSITE problem! Mine says fully processed with confirmation number but NONE of my daughter's schools have received it after 5 weeks!!! I've called FSA 9 times and keep getting disconnected. This is insane when tuition deposits are due next week and we have no aid packages because of their technical issues!!!

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Diego Vargas

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Have you tried using Claimyr to get through to a FAFSA agent? I was having the same issue with endless hold times and disconnections. Used their service at claimyr.com and they got me connected to an agent in about 10 minutes who confirmed my application was actually stuck in a different status than what showed online. They have a demo video too if you want to see how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ Worth it just to get some actual answers rather than waiting for weeks.

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Chloe Harris

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Thank you!! I'm going to try this right now. I'm desperate at this point with these deadlines approaching.

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NeonNinja

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Financial aid advisor here - I can confirm what others have mentioned. Applications with the "processed with errors" status ARE sent to schools, but with error flags. The FAFSA system is prioritizing getting at least partial information to schools due to all the delays this year. What's happening in your case: 1. Your application data was sent to all your selected schools 2. Schools can see the missing signature error in their system 3. Some schools process anyway and generate preliminary aid offers 4. Other schools may wait for the corrected application 5. You STILL need to fix the signature when allowed This year's rollout has been challenging for everyone. My recommendation is to contact each school's financial aid office directly to confirm they received your information and ask if they need anything else from you.

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CosmicVoyager

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Thank you so much for this detailed explanation! This has been driving me crazy. I'll definitely have my son check with each school individually.

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Is this normal procedure or just for this year? My younger kid will be applying next year and I'm worried the system will still be a mess.

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When you say you completed it in "February" - was it early or late Feb? Asking because I've heard people who submitted before Feb 15th had more issues than later applications. Just curious if there's a pattern.

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CosmicVoyager

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We submitted on February 8th, so relatively early. You might be onto something with the timing pattern.

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Chloe Harris

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I blame the entire new SAI formula change. They rushed implementation without proper testing and now millions of students are dealing with these technical nightmares. My daughter might have to commit to a school without knowing what aid she's getting because of these delays!!

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Ravi Kapoor

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yup!! my kid picked his school based on a financial aid estimate thats probably wrong because of all this confusion. might end up having to change his plans if the real numbers are bad!

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Freya Nielsen

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Update for everyone following this thread: FSA just announced they're releasing a new batch of signature correction capabilities next Monday. If you check your studentaid.gov account after May 1st, you should be able to complete the missing signatures. They're gradually rolling out fixes, so don't panic if you don't see it immediately.

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CosmicVoyager

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This is incredibly helpful information! Thank you so much. I'll set a reminder to check on Monday.

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Omar Mahmoud

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where did they announce this? i check their site daily and never see these updates

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