just wanted to update - i just checked claimyr that someone mentioned above and it actually worked for me! got through to a real person at fsa in like 20 minutes today after trying for over a week on my own. they were able to fix my verification problem right away. it was worth it just to stop stressing about this!

UPDATE: I finally got through! Used Claimyr like several people suggested, and was connected to an FSA agent in about 15 minutes. They confirmed there was an error in how my mom's business income was being calculated in the system. The agent filed a correction request and said it should be fixed within 5-7 business days. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your suggestions and support through this nightmare!

One important thing to note is that after making any corrections, there will be a processing period before your updated SAI is calculated. This typically takes 3-5 business days, though it can sometimes take longer during peak periods. Since you mentioned scholarship deadlines, make sure you plan for this processing time. Also, for future reference, if you're making multiple corrections, it's best to make them all at once rather than submitting several separate correction requests, as each new submission restarts the processing clock.

Thank you everyone for the helpful responses! We successfully made the correction through my son's student account yesterday. He was able to access both his own income section and could have changed our parent information too if needed. We both had to re-sign with our FSA IDs after making the change. Now we're just waiting for the updated SAI calculation. Fingers crossed it processes quickly since one of his scholarship applications needs the updated info by next Friday!

this is so confusing why does FAFSA have to make everything so complicated?? the whole point of early decision is that ur committing to that school so why would you even need to add more??

Thank you all SO much for the helpful answers! I feel much better now about adding all my potential schools to my FAFSA. I'm going to go ahead and add all 8 backups while I wait for my early decision result. Nice to know the 20 school limit gives me plenty of room and that schools can't see the others or my ranking order. This takes a huge weight off my shoulders!

Thanks everyone for the helpful info! I just called the culinary school, and they ARE on the TOPS eligible list (it's connected to a community college). The financial aid office also confirmed their priority deadline is February 15, 2025. So our plan now is: 1. Complete FAFSA as soon as it opens December 1 2. Set up the Louisiana Award System account 3. Verify with her high school that they'll submit all TOPS requirements 4. Double-check everything for accuracy to avoid verification delays Am I missing anything else?

My nephew did the TOPS thing and it was a DISASTER. They kept changing requirements and he lost funding after freshman year. Don't count on it staying consistent for all 4 years. Make sure you have a backup plan!!!

I'm confused about how everyone's submitting FAFSA so early. Aren't we supposed to wait until we have our taxes done for the year? I'm still waiting to file mine. Am I behind the curve here?

Adding to the helpful advice here - while adding W&M won't impact your daughter's existing FAFSA submissions, it's worth noting that W&M calculates their Student Aid Index (SAI, formerly EFC) using both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile. If you haven't submitted the CSS Profile to W&M yet, you should do that immediately, as their institutional aid calculations rely heavily on it. Also, after adding W&M to the FAFSA, I'd recommend emailing their financial aid office directly to confirm they received her information. Include her full name and student ID in the email. This creates a paper trail and helps ensure nothing falls through the cracks during their busy season.