You’ve submitted the FAFSA and completed the CSS Profile. Maybe you’ve uploaded tax forms, W-2s, or documents through IDOC, if requested. It’s a huge relief to have those big tasks checked off your list. However, if you’re wondering what happens now, you’re not alone. This part of the process can feel like a strange waiting game. The good news is that a lot is happening behind the scenes, even if it doesn’t feel like it. Here’s a look into what families should expect next after submitting.
After You Submit: What Families Should Expect Next
Once the FAFSA is submitted, it goes straight to the U.S. Department of Education to be processed. Most online applications are reviewed within a few days. If the completed FAFSA form is processed successfully, a Student Aid Index (SAI) will be included in your FASFA Summary. SAI is not your aid offer but rather the number colleges use when building your financial aid offer. It’s always a good idea to skim through it and make sure everything looks correct.
Your Schools Receive Your Information
At the same time, your FAFSA and CSS Profile information is being sent to the colleges on your list. Every school has its own process, system, and timeline, so don’t panic if one college reaches out for more information and others don’t. This is normal. Financial aid offices are working through thousands of applications this time of year. Many colleges will ask for additional documents or information before they can move forward. This could be as simple as a missing signature, a clarification about income, or a request for tax documents. It’s also important to remember that the review process is human powered. Meaning people are reviewing every application and supplemental information, and that takes time.
Some students are also selected for verification, which is truly nothing to worry about. Colleges and the Department of Education just want to confirm that everything on the forms is accurate. Submitting the documents quickly keeps the process moving and helps ensure you receive an accurate financial aid package in a timely matter.
What To Do While You Wait
During this in-between phase, a family’s best strategy is to check email regularly and log into each college portal once a week at the very least. Many families assume that “no news is good news,” but financial aid offices almost always communicate through portals rather than email. A red X, or an incomplete item you didn’t notice, can delay your award letter by weeks, and it’s so easy to fix if you catch it early.
When to Expect Your Award Letter
Once everything is processed and colleges have what they need, financial aid award letters start to arrive if your admission has been approved! If you are an early decision applicant to a school, which is binding, the award letter should arrive very soon, as those usually come in early December. If you are an early action applicant, which is not binding, these letters should begin arriving in the new year, if not sooner. However, some schools are delayed until February. Regular decision applicants typically won’t see an award letter until early spring.
Submitting your financial aid applications is a huge milestone, but it isn’t the finish line. Staying organized and responding promptly during this phase will help everything move smoothly. Remember, if you ever feel unsure about what you’re seeing in a portal, a document request, or an award letter, I’m always here to help. You don’t have to navigate this waiting period alone.
More about Jodi Okun of College Financial Aid Advisors
Jodi helps with the financial aid process, from completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.