A Long and Rocky Road for the Class of 2028

The class of 2028 had been challenged in ways no one could foresee.

First, you had to deal with the pandemic.

Now, you’re dealing with the fallout from the new FAFSA.

This too will pass.

Take pride in the fact that you’ve endured these challenges and look forward to less complicated times.

What’s the Current Status of FAFSA?

According to a report published yesterday, a few dozen colleges have received student FAFSA data.

Details are scant.

KEY QUESTIONS

How were these “small batch” schools selected?

Did the small batch schools include, small, large, public, private, etc. institutions?

Were the test schools able to successfully process the received student files?

Were there Department of Education reps on site to assist with data processing?

If so, when will the next batch go out and how large will it be?

If not, what tweaks need to be made and how long will it take?

Were files sent to state agencies?

Shortly before the referenced article was published the below image was posted on the FSA Twitter account.

As of 3:49 AM this morning, FSA continues to issue EDconnect updates due to discovered performance issues.

Many questions remain unanswered and the clock is ticking, especially for high school seniors – the class of 2028.

The vagueness of these two items and the absence of an announcement of another planned pause is concerning.

How Should You Proceed?

This is a difficult question to answer because this has never happened before.

There isn’t any history to base advice on.

Here are some items to consider:

• Don’t panic. It’s easier said than done, but it’s important.
  1. Decisions made under duress usually aren’t the best ones.
• If you’ve been waiting until the situation settles down, file your FAFSA now.
  1. “Late” filers will be at the back of the line for processing, which could negatively impact your institutional and state aid.
• If you haven’t heard from an admitting school regarding a commitment delay, call the office.
  1. If no extension is granted, is it in your best interest to leave this school on the list?
• If all your admitting schools have granted an extension, note the date(s).
  1. Most schools moved to May 15 or June 1.
• Once you receive your aid packages, carefully review and verify that you understand each offer.
  1. You do not have to accept an aid package in its entirety.
  2. Reject any part, especially loans that you don’t want or need.
  3. Taking on debt for an undergraduate degree rarely makes sense.
  4. If you need more aid to attend your preferred school, contact them to appeal.

If you want to learn about many of the underlying issues that caused the process to go off the rails, this article covers most of the salient points.

We will continue to post updates here and on the Education Unpacked YouTube channel.

You Were Placed on the Waitlist – Now What?

Being placed on the waitlist is not the end of the world or your dreams.

If your top choice school notifies you that you are waitlisted or your Early Decision/Action application has been deferred, don’t despair.

It’s not the result you were hoping for, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t be admitted.

What Can You Do?

Take a deep breath, then exhale.

Consider your options

Is this still your top choice?

Reevaluate why you placed this school at the top of your list.

If this is no longer your top choice, move on, and weigh the merits of each school that made an acceptance offer.

If this school is still your first choice, be proactive.

Your chances of being made an offer are dependent on several variables that you have no control over. Be sure to take action in the areas that are within your control.

• Depending on the size and location of the school, reach out to the admission office or its regional admissions representative.
  • Inform the rep that you still desire to attend and outline your reasons.
• If there has been improvement in your grades, you received an award, etc., be sure to note this in your communication.
• If you haven’t visited the campus, now is an excellent time to schedule a tour.
  • Do whatever you can to bolster your demonstrated interest. 
  • Advocate for yourself, but don’t be a pest.

Don’t Let Other Opportunities Slip Away

Because there is no guarantee you will be plucked off the waitlist or admitted during the regular decision round, be sure to put a deposit on your next school of choice.

It Feels Like Rejection – It Isn’t

Accepted or rejected are the terms most often associated with college applications.

Not admitted is my preferred term over rejection.

Rejected is harsh and misleading.

College admissions numbers are not in anyone’s favor, especially at schools that are hyped by rankings and reputation.

What happens when a school has two thousand available spots and receives thirty thousand applications from highly qualified candidates?

A lot of hard-working, committed students won’t be offered a seat.

You will have your pick of other schools that may prove to be better for you in the long run.

Once you’ve made your final choice, read this post: For College-bound High School Seniors