dont forget CSS profile too!! some private schools need that ON TOP OF fafsa and its different formula. my kid applied to 7 schools & 3 needed CSS plus other random forms. total mess.

One more important thing - make sure your twins check their email regularly (including spam folders). Many schools will email when aid packages are ready or if they need additional documentation. Also, if the May 1 decision deadline is approaching and you still don't have aid information from their top choices, you can request an extension. Most schools will grant a reasonable extension if the delay is due to pending financial aid information.

One important factor to consider is that Parent PLUS loans are solely in your name - not your daughter's. This means the debt is entirely your legal responsibility, regardless of any informal agreement you might make with your child about helping with payments after graduation. Some alternatives to consider: 1. Only borrow what you absolutely need each year. Many schools include recommended amounts that exceed actual required costs. 2. Look into tuition payment plans offered directly by the university that spread costs over 10-12 months instead of requiring full payment each semester. 3. Have a serious conversation with your daughter about less expensive college options. The difference between schools can sometimes be $10-20K per year, potentially saving you $40-80K total. 4. Consider a combination approach where you borrow less through Parent PLUS and your daughter takes more ownership through additional federal loans, part-time work, or merit scholarships.

Another consideration: if your daughter is studying in a field with public service opportunities, remember that SHE could potentially qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness on her federal direct loans after 10 years of working in eligible jobs. But YOUR Parent PLUS loans wouldn't qualify unless you yourself work in public service. If you do proceed with Parent PLUS, I strongly recommend only borrowing year by year rather than mentally committing to all four years upfront. Circumstances change, more scholarship opportunities arise, and sometimes students even decide to transfer or change their educational plans.

wait I'm confused...do schools see each others financial info when u add multiple schools??? like if i add both expensive private colleges and cheaper state schools, will they all see what other schools im applying to?? would that affect my aid package???

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! I'm going to add my full 10 schools now, prioritizing the ones with earlier deadlines and my top choices. Then I'll swap out for the remaining schools after I get my SAI score. I'll also double-check which ones need the CSS Profile ASAP. Super grateful for all the guidance - this makes so much more sense now!

One more thing about verification - if your son is attending college this fall (2025-2026 academic year), you should prioritize completing the verification process ASAP. Many colleges have priority deadlines for financial aid, and while verification won't make him ineligible, it could delay his aid package and potentially impact the institutional aid he receives. If you run into issues with the verification process, don't hesitate to contact the school's financial aid office directly. They're usually more responsive than the Federal Student Aid helpline and can provide guidance specific to their institution's requirements. And for Illinois specifically, look into the Golden Apple Scholars program if your son is interested in teaching in high-need schools in Illinois. It provides up to $23,000 in tuition assistance plus stipends and mentoring.

btw the verification stuff is annoying but usually takes like 2-3 weeks to process once you submit everything. just make sure u send EXACTLY what they ask for. my roommate had to resubmit twice bc he sent the wrong tax form lol

quick update - my daughters SAI finally came thru and it was COMPLETELY wrong!!! now we have to submit a correction and wait AGAIN. this is such a nightmare

For those still waiting, here's what many financial aid offices are advising students to do: 1. Screenshot your confirmation page showing the date you submitted the FAFSA 2. Email this screenshot to each college's financial aid office 3. Ask for a provisional financial aid offer based on your submission date Many schools are making accommodations and extending deadlines due to these unprecedented delays. Don't assume you'll lose opportunities - proactive communication with your schools is key.