The order doesn't matter for the SAI calculation itself - the system will recognize all three students once all applications are completed. However, I generally recommend completing applications in order of priority deadlines. If your children are applying to schools with different priority deadlines, start with whoever needs it submitted first. Otherwise, the order won't impact how their multiple-in-college status is processed by the federal system.

As someone who just went through this exact scenario with twins last year, I feel your pain! The removal of the transfer feature was such a huge step backwards. One thing that really helped me was creating a simple document with all the key numbers (AGI, assets, etc.) from the first application so I could copy/paste instead of having to look everything up again. Also, if you're using tax information that was imported via the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the first application, you'll need to use the same method for consistency across all three - don't mix imported data with manually entered data or you might trigger verification issues. The good news is that once all three are submitted, the multiple-in-college benefit should kick in automatically and significantly reduce your family contribution. Hang in there!

I'm a newcomer here but dealing with this exact same situation! Submitted my FAFSA on January 2nd and it's been stuck "in review" for 8+ weeks now. This thread has been incredibly eye-opening - I had no idea about the Data Field Flags or that the notification system was basically broken this year. I've been checking my account religiously expecting some kind of update, but there's absolutely nothing there indicating any problems. Reading everyone's experiences here has made me realize I need to stop waiting passively and actually call FSA. The early morning Tuesday strategy sounds promising - I'm definitely going to try that this week. It's honestly ridiculous that we have to play detective with our own applications just to find out if there's a simple data entry error holding everything up. Thank you all for sharing your stories and tips - this community has provided more useful information than any official FSA communication I've received (which is basically zero). Fingers crossed I can finally get some answers about what's been delaying my application!

I'm a newcomer to this community and dealing with the exact same nightmare! I submitted my FAFSA on January 8th and it's been stuck "in review" for almost 8 weeks now with absolutely zero communication from FSA. Reading through all of your experiences has been both helpful and infuriating - helpful because I now know I'm not alone and there are actual steps I can take, but infuriating because I had no idea the notification system was this broken. I've been passively waiting this whole time thinking the delays were normal, checking my studentaid.gov account daily and seeing nothing. After reading about everyone's hidden flags and data errors that were never communicated, I'm kicking myself for not being more proactive sooner. I'm definitely going to try that early morning Tuesday call strategy - thank you all for sharing those specific timing tips! It's absolutely ridiculous that a community forum is providing better guidance than the actual federal student aid system. I'll report back after I try calling to let others know how it goes. Fingers crossed I can finally get some answers about what's been holding up my application all this time!

Update on this? Did you get it resolved? My nephew is going through something similar and I want to tell my sister what worked for you

I'm dealing with something similar but for my adopted daughter from South Korea. She's been a US citizen since she was 2, but FAFSA keeps flagging her for additional documentation. The most frustrating part is how the system treats adoptees differently even when they've had citizenship for decades! It's like the database can't handle the complexity of international adoptions. Have you tried reaching out to your congressperson's office? Sometimes they can help expedite federal agency issues like this. Also document every phone call - date, time, who you spoke with, what they said. It might help if you need to escalate later.

One important thing to know: even with the simplified FAFSA, your school might still ask for additional financial information through the CSS Profile or their own institutional forms. That's completely separate from FAFSA and is used by many private colleges to determine their own aid. So if you're applying to private schools, you might still need to answer those detailed asset questions elsewhere.

You definitely did it right! I had the same experience - finished my FAFSA super quickly this year compared to what my friends went through in previous years. The new simplified version is such a game changer for students with straightforward financial situations. I was panicking too thinking I must have skipped something important, but my financial aid office confirmed everything looked complete when I called them. It's honestly refreshing that they finally made the process less painful for most students!

One other thing to consider: if your son is set on attending a school that will require significant loans beyond the federal student limit, have a serious conversation about whether that's the right financial choice. Sometimes a less expensive school with more merit aid can provide an equivalent education without the crushing debt. Speaking from experience - my oldest graduated with $78k in loans and regrets not considering more affordable options.

As someone who just went through this process with my daughter last year, I can confirm that federal unsubsidized loans are available regardless of income! We make about $200k and she still got the full amount. One tip I wish I'd known earlier: even if you think you make "too much" for aid, still submit the FAFSA by the priority deadline. Some schools use it for merit scholarships too, and you might be surprised - we actually qualified for a small need-based grant at one private school despite our income. Also, don't overlook work-study opportunities which can help reduce the loan burden. The key is to explore ALL options before committing to any particular loan type!