The college admissions process has been complicated this year due to problems with the new FAFSA form. The delays in getting applicants’ correct information to schools have caused major issues, leaving most students unsure of how much college will cost them for the next school year. This uncertainty has made it difficult for high school seniors to make decisions on where, or if, to enroll by the typical May 1 deadline. Colleges usually offer financial aid awards by the end of March, but as of now, most high school seniors have yet to receive an aid offer.
The FAFSA form was long overdue for an update, and the new version is supposed to make it easier to fill out and allow more students to be eligible for financial aid. However, the form was not available to students and families until January, causing further delays. Glitches in the system have raised concerns that low-income students may be prevented from enrolling in college this fall. The stories of three students illustrate how the FAFSA problems are delaying their college decisions, creating stress and uncertainty for these individuals and their families.
Chase Cunningham, a high school senior, is facing uncertainty about where he will attend college in the fall. Despite paying a nonrefundable deposit to Morehouse College, his first choice, he has not received any financial aid letters from the schools he was accepted to. His mother, Lisa Wilson, expressed frustration over the situation, as they are left relying on faith without knowing the cost of college. The lack of information on financial aid is adding to the stress and uncertainty surrounding Cunningham’s college decision.
Ellie Norvitch, another high school senior, is also facing delays in receiving financial aid award letters from the colleges she applied to. Despite paying a refundable deposit to her first choice, the College of St. Scholastica, she is unsure of the amount of scholarships and grants she will receive due to the FAFSA delays. This uncertainty has caused her and her mother, Kelsey Norvitch, stress and anxiety during what should be an exciting time. Ellie is concerned about the cost of college and wants to avoid taking out loans for her undergraduate education.
Taylor Smith, a 24-year-old community college student, submitted her FAFSA in January but is experiencing issues with the new application process. The Department of Education is not allowing any updates or changes to submitted forms until mid-April, causing delays in getting financial aid information to the colleges she applied to. Smith feels that this uncertainty may impact her college decisions, as she may not receive cost information before having to enroll. Despite the challenges, she is hopeful that the extension of deadlines and additional aid applications from schools will alleviate some stress.
In conclusion, the problems with the new FAFSA form have added to the stress and uncertainty of the college admissions process for students and their families. The delays in receiving financial aid award letters have made it difficult for students to make decisions on where to enroll for the next school year. The stories of Chase Cunningham, Ellie Norvitch, and Taylor Smith highlight the challenges that students are facing due to the FAFSA problems, causing anxiety and uncertainty during what should be an exciting time in their lives. The hope is that the issues with the FAFSA form will be resolved soon, allowing students to make informed decisions about their college education.
