FAFSA and Housing Deposit High Jinks

In a development that surprised nobody I know, the Department of Edu-macation announced further delays with the new, improved FAFSA rollout.  The latest and greatest is that colleges can't get FAFSA data until March, no matter when you applied.

Net-net, I think everything will work out in terms of everyone getting the same types of financial aid awards as they would have in years past.  At least for 80-90% of filers.

But one overlooked consequence of this pushed back timeline has to be the deadline to submit your housing deposit, May 1, traditionally.  In past years, that time frame was already a toughie because most financial aid awards came in March-April, followed by a mad dash in April to visit colleges, negotiate financial aid and scholarship awards and related various and sundry activities.

Now, my best guess is that this can't happen, because financial aid awards will be delayed.  I believe the only thing colleges can do is push back the housing deposit commitment deadline until June 1 or so, which is not great but, you know what, we'll all deal with it. 

There are worse things than having to push back your social media "I committed!" and "Bed Party" posts, after all.

And who knows, it might be a good thing to have extra time to weigh your college choices.  

Or It could just drag out a stressful, anxiety-ridden process even more. :)

That does it for today's update!

-Andy "Fair and Balanced" Lockwood

P.S.  Need help with the financial aid or any part of the college process?  Reply to this email and we can get you scheduled for a quick chat.