The FAFSA (The Free Application for Federal Student Aid), a form that determines eligibility for student aid the government pays for college students, is a stepping stone in some students’ college application process.
According to the Federal Office of Student Aid, “colleges and career schools use the FAFSA form to determine how much financial aid you’re eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.”
They also say that “with the right information in hand, it’s easy.”
However, technical errors and glitches make it difficult for some students to complete their form.
Rebecca Bellito is a counselor in the College Resource Center, where seniors can come for help on applications and scholarships.
“They did a major redesign on the FAFSA, and so they were developing the software. They had to get it released by the new year, but they waited up to the very last minute, and it’s currently in what’s called the soft launch phase,” she said.
According to the Federal Office of Student Aid website, “pauses for maintenance and updates to improve the user experience” will happen frequently during the soft launch period, leading to delays and possible glitches.
“There’s glitches that we’re seeing a pattern of and can usually problem solve, but there are also some glitches that still need to be worked out by the government and their software team. I’ve had a lot more students coming in for technical errors,” said Bellito.
Filip Jamiolkowski (12) is a senior who submitted his FAFSA on Jan. 6, after dealing with maintenance that blocked him from accessing the form.
“It took a while, about four days to organize all the information,” said Jamiolkowski.
Helena Catalan (12) also had to deal with technical troubles while filling out her FAFSA, and it took longer than expected.
“My mom registered for her ID, and it took a week, even though it said [on the website] three business days,” she said.
However, the students that have already completed the FAFSA and Bellito have some advice for anyone struggling with the form right now.
Jamiolkowski’s advice for students is to make an account on the website as soon as possible.
“Registering accounts takes a couple days, because they have to verify everything. So make sure you get that done,” he said.
Catalan also stressed the importance of putting time aside to complete the form.
“Make sure your parents are present, and make time for it because it will take a while,” said Catalan.
The CRC is holding a FAFSA workshop on Feb. 7, where students and parents can learn more about the process and get help from Bellito and other experts.
“Nobody’s leading a presentation, but it’s a chance for families to sit down and work on the FAFSA. If an error happens or they have questions about something, we will have financial aid experts on hand who can help them,” said Bellito. “The goal is to have people submit that evening, but given the different glitches, we’re not sure we can promise that.”
Bellito and some students have expressed that, barring technical issues, the new updates have made the FAFSA experience simpler and quicker.
The Federal Office of Student Aid website says that “some big changes for students and families” have been made, including “using data received directly from the IRS” to automatically fill in tax information.”
“I’ve heard from several students that once they get into the FAFSA, and if it all goes smoothly technology wise, it has been a pretty streamlined, easier process,” said Bellito.