– By Catherine Mueller It’s no longer just a matter of “done” or “not done” when considering the status of your financial aid application. Due to all the changes with the 2024-25 FAFSA, there are some nuances and it’s important to understand the different status updates to determine if you need to take any action. When
The key to your FAFSA status Read More »
By Catherine Mueller The U.S. Department of Education is making improvements to the StudentAid.gov account creation process for those without Social Security numbers. According to the National College Attainment Network (NCAN), the Department will automate much of the process and expand call center staff. The Department also created an e-mail listserv for students and families impacted
FAFSA contributor update listserv available Read More »
By Catherine Mueller The asset information required and who has to report assets changed beginning with the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If a student or the parents meet one of the following criteria, then they will be exempt from providing asset information: A student or parent who is required to report assets
Three reasons a FAFSA filer won’t need to report assets Read More »
By Catherine Mueller Sure, sometimes high school students don’t want to invite their parents to something, but in the case of the FAFSA, most students need to invite their parents. Students completing the 2024-25 FAFSA (if they are determined to be dependent students) are asked to invite their parent or parents to contribute to the FAFSA. Students need to provide
Contributing to a student’s FAFSA – what to do when the invite isn’t received Read More »
By Beth Ziehmer As your senior year gets closer to winding down, make sure to complete the necessary admission applications, scholarship essays, and financial aid information – keeping in mind the necessary deadlines. Don’t let yourself become overwhelmed with the tasks at hand, but continue to progress through your to do list. Below are the tasks
March tasks for high school seniors Read More »
By Catherine Mueller When all else fails, sometimes it’s best to just best to start over but not give up. For some students and parents encountering errors with their 2024-25 FAFSA (such as greyed-out boxes that don’t allow them to move forward) the best action to take to ensure getting access to financial aid is to
Important steps to try before deleting a 2024-25 FAFSA Read More »
By Catherine Mueller If you have submitted your 2024-25 FAFSA and then decided you wanted to add another college or correct a mistake, you’ll need to wait a few weeks. Students and parents with a FAFSA that is in the “In Review” status and who need to make corrections or updates, including adding potential colleges, will
FAFSA corrections or updates need to wait – for now Read More »
By Catherine Mueller Financial aid offers will look a little different next year – thanks to some changes to the FAFSA. The U.S. Department of Education recently released an updated version of the sample College Financing Plan (often referred to as a financial aid offer or award letter). Mapping Your Future created a version of the sample
Financial aid offer changing with new FAFSA Read More »
