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Adding Schools to FAFSA After Submission

If you’ve submitted your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and realized that you need to add more schools, you’re not alone. Students often add schools post-submission due to changes in their applications, newfound interests in certain institutions, or additional guidance from counselors. Fortunately, the FAFSA process allows you to update and add more institutions even after initial submission. Let's explore how you can do this, step by step, and address any related questions you might have.

Why Add More Schools?

Before diving into the how, let's consider the reasons you might need to add more schools to your FAFSA:

  • School Interest Expansion: As you research or visit more institutions, your list may grow.
  • Change in Preferences: Insights from guidance counselors, family discussions, or personal ambitions may steer you towards different or additional colleges.
  • Strategic Applications: Adding schools based on scholarship opportunities or financial aid packages can be a wise decision.

Maximum Number of Schools

The FAFSA form allows you to list up to 10 schools at a time. However, there’s no limit to the number of schools you can send your FAFSA to over multiple submissions. If you have more than 10 schools, you can follow these steps multiple times.

Steps to Add Schools to Your FAFSA

Step 1: Logging into FAFSA

  1. Visit the FAFSA Website: Navigate to FAFSA's official website.
  2. Log In: Use your FSA ID (username and password) to access your FAFSA form. If you don’t have an FSA ID, you’ll need to create one.

Step 2: Accessing Your Submitted FAFSA

  1. Navigate to Your FAFSA: Once logged in, find the option that allows you to view or make corrections to your submitted FAFSA.
  2. Select ‘Make FAFSA Corrections’: This option allows you to edit the information on your existing FAFSA form.

Step 3: Updating the School List

  1. Go to the School Selection Page: Within the FAFSA form, head to the section designated for school selection.
  2. Adding New Schools: Enter the Federal School Code for each new institution you want to add. If you don't know these codes, use the search feature available on the FAFSA site to find them.
  3. Delete Schools (if necessary): If you’ve reached the 10-school maximum, remove schools you’re no longer interested in to make room for new entries. Make sure that the removed schools have received your Student Aid Report (SAR) and that you no longer need them on your list.

Step 4: Submitting Your Updates

  1. Review Changes: Thoroughly check for accuracy in any school codes or details you’ve entered.
  2. Submit Corrections: Once satisfied with your updates, proceed to submit the corrections. Within a few days, your updated FAFSA will be processed and sent to the additional schools.

Understanding the Process

Changes in Financial Aid

  • Impact on Financial Aid: Adding a new school will trigger the receipt of your SAR by that school. They will then follow up with any required financial aid documents or notifications.
  • No Negative Impact: Making amendments to your school list should not negatively impact your existing applications or reduce awarded aid from previously listed schools.

Timing Considerations

  • Processing Time: Expect a processing period of a few business days for the updates to reflect on your SAR and for schools to receive your updated information.
  • Deadlines and Priority Considerations: Ensure you understand each additional school's FAFSA deadline, as late FAFSA submissions can affect aid eligibility.

Situations Requiring Additional Action

Special Circumstances

If you’re experiencing special circumstances such as financial changes not reflected in your FAFSA, you'll need to contact the financial aid office of each institution to discuss possibly updating your financial status independently of the FAFSA changes.

School-Specific Additional Information

Certain institutions might require additional forms or information for financial aid consideration. Check with each added school to understand their specific requirements beyond the FAFSA.

FAQs About Adding Schools Post-Submission

Can I add schools after my original FAFSA submission?

Yes, you can add schools even after your FAFSA has been initially submitted and processed.

How do I remove a school from my FAFSA list?

To remove schools, access the School Selection page on your FAFSA form and simply delete the codes for schools you no longer wish to send your information to.

What if I can't remember my FSA ID?

If you've forgotten your FSA ID, use the "Forgot My ID" link at the FAFSA login page and follow the steps to recover or reset it.

What happens if I exceed the 10-school limit?

If you attempt to add more than 10 schools in a single submission, the system won’t allow it. You need to remove some schools first or use multiple submissions.

How quickly do schools receive updated information?

Schools generally receive updated applications within 7 to 10 days. However, checking with individual institutions can provide more accurate processing times.

Concluding Thoughts

Modifying your FAFSA to include additional schools ensures a broader range of opportunities and helps you make informed decisions regarding your education. Always verify each school’s financial aid deadlines and requirements to maximize your potential aid and maintain alignment with your academic goals. Explore our other resources on FAFSA strategies and college admissions to stay informed and prepared in navigating the financial aid landscape.