FAFSA student loan site was in ‘awful place’ — but students can get financial aid now | Opinion

If you, your kids or grandkids plan to attend college in the fall, you’ve probably heard this word that sounds like a foreign language: FAFSA.

In a way, navigating the Free Application for Federal Student Aid can be as difficult as learning a foreign language. This year, government gaffes made the application process worse.

The form was supposed to roll out in December last year, but immediately had problems. In the wake of website hurdles, the head of FAFSA is stepping down, with higher education experts testifying that the process was “in an awful place.”

Awful, but essential. FAFSA is a form that helps families estimate how much they must pay for college. I’ve used it personally, and I’ve seen it in action as a college administrator. Don’t ignore this. It can make a huge difference in how much you have to pay out of pocket.

It’s not too late.

Reports in late April and early May might have scared you away with stories of long wait times, and a broken form. I’m happy to tell you that as of Thursday, the site seemed to be working normally for me. Another mom told me her experience was just fine. And I’m also here to tell you — as today’s students might say — not to sleep on this. That means do not disregard this application.

So, what happened? For the first time in decades, the form was updated and simplified. However, a soft launch earlier this year showed real problems in both the application submission and later, communication from colleges to students about the amount of their financial aid packages.

Many states, including Missouri and Kansas, had deadlines to submit financial aid applications in May, with priority deadlines even earlier. But the problems delayed applications, college aid and decisions.

Some institutions delayed deadlines because of the problems. Check with your schools for updated deadlines. Both the University of Missouri and the University of Kansas still accept FAFSA applications.

OK, let’s talk about the form. It used to be more than 100 questions, but the new one can be fewer than 20. When I was a college administrator on a team that doled out college aid, I actually liked all the questions, especially the “personal circumstances” section. It allowed students to give more information about themselves, which sometimes matched with a donor who wanted to give money to that kind of student.

With some of those questions gone, it’s even more important to use the application essay as a way to share some of those personal experiences and situations.

Graduating high school and getting accepted into college is a hallmark for many students, but it’s not the last step before orientation day. In fact, many families don’t make final decisions on which college their student will attend, if they do decide to attend, until they know how much money it will cost.

Unless you can afford tuition out of pocket — and not many of us can — financial aid is a given. The simplified FAFSA is the path to aid. A jagged path, to be sure, but crucial.

I want to urge students, parents and families to make sure they stay on this, and make sure the information you submitted is accurate. Keep in touch with your prospective college financial aid departments, and make a final and informed decision for students.

Again, it’s not too late.