HomeFafsa-FaqCan-You-Add-Schools-To-Fafsa-After-Submitting

Can You Add Schools To FAFSA After Submitting?

Yes, you can add schools to your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) even after you have submitted it. This process is quite common and straightforward, given that many students decide to apply to additional schools after initially submitting their FAFSA. Understanding how to make these updates and doing so in a timely manner can be crucial to your financial aid process. This article provides comprehensive guidance on how to add schools to your FAFSA post submission.

Why You Might Want to Add Schools

While many students initially submit their FAFSA with certain planned schools in mind, various circumstances may necessitate adding more schools later. Here are a few reasons:

  • Expanded Horizons: As you research, you may find additional schools that match your educational goals and aspirations.
  • Changed Preferences: Your priorities may shift, requiring you to consider schools in different locations or with different programs.
  • Admission to New Institutions: You might receive late offers or acceptances from schools you didn't originally plan for.
  • Scholarship Opportunities: New information about scholarships and financial aid availability at other institutions might sway your decision.

Having the ability to add schools after submission ensures that you can pursue opportunities as they present themselves.

How to Add Schools to Your FAFSA

Adding schools to your FAFSA involves a few steps, all quite manageable. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Log into Your FAFSA Account

  1. Visit the Official FAFSA Website: Go to fafsa.gov and click on “Log In.”
  2. Enter Your Identification: Use your FSA ID (username and password) to access your FAFSA account. If you’re a first-time user, you'll need to create an FSA ID.

Step 2: Make Corrections or Updates

  1. Locate the Current FAFSA Form: Once logged in, click on “Make FAFSA Corrections” for the relevant academic year.
  2. Access the School Selection Section: Navigate to the school selection or school code section.

Step 3: Add New Schools

  1. Enter New School Codes: You can add up to 10 schools per session. Use the federal school codes, which can be found on the school’s official website or through the FAFSA portal’s search function.
  2. Verify School Names: Ensure that the schools listed correspond to your intended choices.

Step 4: Submit the Changes

  1. Review All Information: Before submitting, check that all entries are correct.
  2. Submit Corrections: Click “Submit” to finalize your updates. You will receive a confirmation message and email.

Step 5: Monitor Your FAFSA Status

  1. Confirmation and Tracking: After submitting, you should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) within a few days, detailing your updated FAFSA details.
  2. Financial Aid Review: Keep an eye on each school's financial aid office communications to confirm receipt of your updated FAFSA data.

Key Considerations When Adding Schools

Here are some important aspects to keep in mind when adding schools to your FAFSA:

  • Processing Time: Changes made to your FAFSA are not instantaneous. Allow a few days for processing, especially during peak application periods.
  • Communication with Schools: After adding schools, contact the financial aid offices of those institutions to ensure they have updated records.
  • Financial Award Review: Each new school should provide a financial aid award letter detailing the aid you can expect. Compare these offers to make informed decisions.
  • FAFSA Limitations: You can only list 10 schools at a time. If you wish to add more than 10, submit the form, then replace schools in further submissions if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a set of FAQs to address common queries and misconceptions regarding adding schools to FAFSA:

Can I Remove Schools After Submission?

Yes, you can remove schools from your FAFSA. Similarly to adding, log in to your FAFSA account, select “Make FAFSA Corrections,” navigate to the school selection section, and deselect the schools you no longer wish to include.

Does Adding Schools Affect My Current Aid?

Adding new schools will not alter the aid offers from the schools already on your list. Each school uses its own criteria to determine your financial aid based on the information already provided.

What If I Applied for State Aid?

Be aware that some state aid deadlines differ, and updating your FAFSA close to these deadlines could affect eligibility. Always check both federal and state deadlines.

How Do I Find the Federal School Code?

Federal school codes are essential when adding schools. These are typically available on the college’s website or through the FAFSA application’s search tool.

Tips for Managing Your FAFSA Submissions

To effectively manage your FAFSA and financial aid efforts, consider the following tips:

  • Set Reminders: Keep track of deadlines for FAFSA corrections and state aid applications. A missed deadline can have substantial consequences.
  • Organize Information: Maintain a dedicated folder (physical or digital) with all your college application and financial aid information.
  • Communicate Proactively: Regularly check in with financial aid offices for updates on your application status.

Conclusion

The ability to add schools to your FAFSA after submission is a flexible feature that accommodates the evolving plans of students. By following the proper procedures, you can ensure that all potential educational paths are financially supported. Always remember to check for errors, communicate with your intended schools, and stay informed about deadlines. For further assistance, explore additional resources available on our website. Embrace the flexibility FAFSA offers, and make the most of your college application journey.