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We will continue to provide updates here on the blog to help families and students be prepared for the, once again, updated FAFSA. Check out our last post on the first update for the 2025-26 FAFSA. Today on the blog we're providing a new update that was just released yesterday on a Dept. of Education press release. It provides a bit of confidence that at the very least, leadership has an intentional strategy behind fixing the issues that plagued FAFSA users last year.
Will the DOE have a structured plan in place to instill confidence for that December 1 FAFSA rollout?
Let's take a look at what was outlined in yesterday's press release.
Oct 1- Beta 1 FAFSA Testing
Although October 1 was traditionally the opening day for FAFSA applications, and we traditionally always recommended getting your forms done as early as possible, this year will look a bit different. October 1, 2024, will open up what the DOE is calling the first "Beta test," They are calling it, "Beta 1." Though it sounds like a droid out of Star Wars, this period will be used to test the new software and work out any kinks it may have, with the intention to have everything perfect for a full rollout on December 1.
This is to hopefully avoid what occurred last year, where the kinks weren't worked out, and are still working themselves out. The department plans to allow Community-Based Organizations, CBOs, to apply to be the first to test out Beta 1. A CBO is a non-profit, non-governmental, or charitable organization that works to address the needs of a specific community or geographical area.
They will select between 2 and 6 CBOs, who will recruit hundreds of students each who are applying. Not just any CBO can apply, however, which could make things difficult. There is extensive criteria for a CBO to be "best suited" according to the department's needs, and the DOE has made it clear that Beta 1 will require "a significant amount of work" by CBOs, colleges, and student Beta participants may encounter issues that will take time to resolve.
DOE's 3 Driving Principles for Beta Testing Plan
The Department has an intentional approach to trying to get this right this year. The feedback from last year's debacle, provided by students, colleges, and families has forced Department leadership to have a plan this year. This is their 3 main principles for the initial test phase.
Build confidence through end-to-end testing- Essentially they aim to test EVERY stage of the process. From student to DOE, from DOE to colleges, corrections from both students and colleges, etc. No step will not be tested.
Build confidence through inclusion- The DOE is hoping to include as many different student populations as possible, for the most realistic test. Different families, locations, backgrounds, financial status, etc.
Build confidence through partner and student support- By providing support from the CBOs in the beginning, with only a few hundred users, they hope that the dedicated support will provide answers and solutions to the issues so that by the final testing period before Dec 1, there won't be any new issues popping up.
So for the first trial period, the DOE will rely on 2-6 organizations nationwide to work with hundreds of students and families from all different backgrounds to test out the system. With how poorly last year went, at least there is a plan in place. It remains to be seen, however, if Oct 1 will provide enough time by Dec 1 to ensure a full rollout.
Though we may not be able to process your student's forms before Dec 1, (or possibly later if it gets delayed,) there are certainly things we can do to help have you ready to roll when the time comes. If you have any questions regarding FAFSA, please don't hesitate to reach out and give us a call! We have been working with last year's paperwork and we have had to endure some of the challenges ourselves, so we are experienced both in the traditional FAFSA, and the new one. Thanks for reading and be sure to share this article with a fellow future college goer!
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