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The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, more commonly referred to as the FAFSA, is a crucial step in students’ pursuit to obtain federal aid. This form is filled out on a yearly basis for all individuals attending a university. Upon implementation of several changes aimed at making the process “easier” for the general public, many users have expressed more difficulty with the process. Errors within the site have been impairing many applicants by confusing questions.
For example, the implementation of a new unsubsidized loan question led many students to select an answer that cut their application short, due to the lack of clarity within the question. Another issue being faced due to technological glitches is the signature portion. After all the information has been provided the FAFSA has failed to give either the student or parent a place to conclude the application with their signature, which is a requirement for submission.
This inconsistency has brought anxiety to several applicants facing these roadblocks. Much of the worry stems from the fact that without being able to properly submit these materials in the correct format and on time, there is a possibility that students will receive less aid than expected and needed for the 2024-2025 academic year.
These changes within the FAFSA application have inadvertently created a targeted audience suffering from an increase in required information that they may not possess. Children of parents with no social security number have been facing a long wait in order to confirm the identity of their guardian through a phone call.
Many have stated that they feel targeted due to the fact that these issues create a more lengthy process for certain students of certain backgrounds. Despite the confusion of the new FAFSA application school financial advisors and FAFSA employees are trying their best to aid students through the process.
