by Karli Greenfield | Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes
The financial aid process can be difficult to navigate, even when deadlines and requirements remain the same each year. Individuals who have been planning to attend college for the 2024-2025 academic year have experienced additional challenges due to FAFSA delays and deadline changes. You may be asking yourself, “Should I even try to submit the FAFSA right now?” Or maybe you are asking, “Aren’t there still issues with the form?” Of course, everyone is asking, “When will I know what aid I am eligible for?” If this is you, here is why you shouldn’t wait to submit the FAFSA:
While the 2024-2025 FAFSA became available to students and families for submission on January 1, 2024, a number of issues were present within the form. The majority of these issues have been corrected, and more than a million current and prospective students have successfully submitted the application. In addition, schools are beginning to receive FAFSA files from the Department of Education. While there may be additional processing changes to come, many schools are expecting to use FAFSA information for financial aid awarding during the month of April.
Now you may be asking, “What should we be doing after we submit the FAFSA, while we wait?” Here are a few things to consider during this time:
1. Financial aid processes and opportunities may be different at each school your student is considering:
During this time, make sure to review the financial aid process at each school your student is considering, and complete all requirements that are not contingent on the FAFSA. This could include state aid applications, institutional aid documents, etc. Your student should also take time to review all financial aid opportunities offered at each school, so that they are prepared to consider their complete financial aid offer when it is available.
2. It is never too late to search for additional funding sources:
Many students miss out on outside scholarship and funding resources simply because they do not ask or search. Make sure your student checks out verified outside scholarship search engines, websites, and organizations each year of college attendance. Often, your student’s high school guidance counselor(s), local chamber of commerce, organization(s) of employment, college website(s), and financial aid office(s) have information that will assist in this process.
3. Encourage your student to make connections with their Admissions and Financial Aid Counselor(s):
College Admissions and Financial Aid Counselors are an invaluable resource for students and families working through the financial aid process each year. These individuals are responsible for walking alongside families and providing the information you need to complete the financial aid process. This year in particular, Financial Aid Counselors are immersed in the same waiting period that you are, as we all eagerly await complete financial aid offers. So, be patient, be kind, and communicate frequently. Most importantly, be on the lookout for email communications from your student’s school(s), as this is typically a school’s primary form of communication to students and families.
During a year of what some might call confusion and chaos, considering this information should keep you and your student prepared for what is ahead. Take heart, knowing that schools, students, and families are working through these challenges together.
Karli Greenfield is a higher education financial aid and enrollment professional. She holds more than 12 years of experience in financial aid, 11 NASFAA Professional Financial Aid Credentials, and years of active participation on the GA Association of Student Financial AidAdministrators board. She is passionate about working with students and families, and innovating college enrollment processes. Karli Greenfield, MBA | LinkedIn
