October 2024

Here is the latest on the FAFSA Test Drive of 2024 

What is being done to prevent another FAFSA crisis?
The U.S. Department of Education is conducting extensive beta testing of the redesigned 2025-26 FAFSA form. This involves releasing the form to increasingly larger groups of students and carefully monitoring for any technical issues. The goal is to identify and fix problems before the form's official release on December 1st.

How is the FAFSA beta test going so far?
Early indications are that the beta testing is going well. The Department of Education reports that the system is working and that no "critical errors" have been found. However, some less serious issues have emerged, such as a recurring problem with missing signatures on submitted forms.

What happened during the first phase of the FAFSA beta test?
The first phase involved over 650 high school seniors completing the FAFSA at events hosted by six community-based organizations. Department of Education staff were present to observe and assist. While some technical problems were encountered, most students were able to successfully submit the form.

What is the timeline for the FAFSA beta test?
The second phase is currently underway and will include 16 organizations and over 1,000 students. The Department of Education plans to continue testing the FAFSA with increasingly larger groups throughout the fall.

Why is there so much concern about the new FAFSA?
The rollout of the redesigned 2024-25 FAFSA was plagued with technical issues, causing significant delays and disruptions to the financial aid process. This led to frustration among students, families, and college administrators.

What are the stakes of a successful FAFSA rollout?
A smooth and functional FAFSA is crucial for ensuring equitable access to higher education, particularly for low-income and first-generation students. A repeat of last year's problems could result in students missing out on vital financial aid.

What is the Department of Education doing to address concerns about the FAFSA?
In addition to the beta testing, the department has delayed the official release of the FAFSA by two months. They are also actively communicating updates and seeking feedback from college access organizations.

What is the significance of community-based organizations in the FAFSA beta test?
Community-based organizations play a vital role in supporting students, particularly those from underserved communities, in navigating the college application and financial aid process. Their involvement in the beta test helps ensure that the new FAFSA meets the needs of diverse student populations.

Read below for important information: 
If you're considering law school in the future, you may be surprised at which majors do best on the LSAT and are in highest demand at law schools.  For more info, read this article.

As for ICC, our recent college visits included Univ. of Central Florida, University of La Verne, Azusa Pacific University, a lunch with Purdue, and tour of Univ. of Washington Bothell which has many new buildings that just opened this fall.