<p>My FAFSA was processed and stated that I was eligible for $5,000 in assistance.</p>
<p>I found out through my account on my school's website that they want me to complete an Independent Verification Worksheet, and a Low Income Explanation form. Um - everything on these forms has already been answered when I completed my FAFSA. Why do I have to answer the same questions?</p>
<p>When I asked the school, they said I had been "randomly selected". I'm sorry, but I'm not buying that. When they're offering financial assistance, I seriously doubt whether they do anything in random fashion. Why would they say such a thing?</p>
<p>I'm skeptical because I have had problems with this particular school. My FAFSA form needed to be signed, and no one told me about it. I found out just by browsing my account on the school's website. Since their site does not work with my current and up-to-date browser, I rarely visit. Had I not checked the site again, I would not have known that this additional information was required. </p>
<p>Aren't they there to help me? Shouldn't they at least email/snail mail a letter letting me know what information is required? They just don't seem to be there for students. Admissions told me that I was required to take an Accuplacer test, without even looking at my record. When I informed her that I already had a degree, she said they would be willing to waive the exam this time. ?!?! THAT is their standard policy. Why are they acting as if these things are random or unique, or that they're doing me favors? It seems very odd to me.</p>
<p>The responsibility for your FA rests with you and it’s not up to the FA office to make sure you’re logging in to check your status or turning in your paperwork. It’s true that the Dept of Education does require schools to select at least 1/3 of FAFSAs for verification and some verify more than that. I know from experience how frustrating it can be to submit to seemingly redundant or meaningless requirements but that’s the way the system works and it helps to maintain a sense of humor and see it as a process - if the few extra hours it takes nets you a $5K grant then it’s worth your time to go through it! In other words, you should do everything possible to work with, not against, the FA office to ensure that you get the aid you’re offered…they have thousands of students to package and process and they aren’t the ones that will be stuck paying the bill if your aid doesn’t materialize!</p>
<p>I don’t think its that unusual for the school to communicate with you thru thier website. At my sons school the only way they give out info (FA, verification, grades etc) is thru the student portal, no email or snail mail. He has been selected for verification every year, its pretty common. Like the others have said “He who has the gold makes the rules”. If you want thier money, you have to play by thier rules.</p>
<p>Verification is part of the process! My son’s school requires a FAFSA for merit scholarships. We were selected for verification even though we had a 99,999 EFC and no need-based aid! If anything, more of those who receive need-based aid should be verified.</p>
<p>There are many of us on CC that have been asked for verification. It’s a pain, but it sure beats taking out extra loans instead of qualifying for scholarships.</p>